Justice Sought After 31 Years for the Murder of James Akinwande
Family Announces £20,000 Reward for Information Leading to Conviction in Brixton Nightclub Stabbing Case
The family of James Akinwande, an 18-year-old who was brutally murdered after leaving a nightclub in Brixton, South London, in 1994, has made a renewed appeal for information, offering a £20,000 reward for leads that result in the conviction of his killers.
This plea coincides with the 31st anniversary of his death, marking another poignant chapter in a long-unresolved murder case.
On January 16, 1994, James Akinwande was chased, beaten, and stabbed by a large group of men after an evening at the Vox nightclub.
The attack occurred on Brighton Terrace at approximately 4:45 am.
Although he managed to break free from his attackers by shedding his distinctive Fila jacket, he succumbed to multiple stab wounds after collapsing near a police van.
Speaking on the anniversary of his death, his sister Victoria Tawiah expressed the family's enduring grief and their unyielding desire for justice.
'The pain we all felt and still feel is indescribable,' she said.
'The devastation caused by his murder has left our mother so heartbroken she is unable to visit his grave.'
The Metropolitan Police continue to investigate the crime.
Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin reiterated the commitment of the police force, stating, 'We have not given up hope of securing justice for James’s family and providing them with the answers they so desperately need.'
Details of the attack describe Akinwande being singled out from his friends after an altercation during a music event inside the nightclub.
His last moments involved a desperate attempt to escape his assailants, only to be cornered and fatally injured.
The case remains open, with the Metropolitan Police actively seeking information from the public regarding the group of men responsible.
Ms. Tawiah emphasized the profound impact the incident continues to have on her family: 'My brother was robbed of getting married, becoming a father, and so much more.'
The characteristic Fila jacket worn by Akinwande that night—half red, half dark blue, featuring the brand logo—remains missing, potentially holding evidence crucial to the investigation.
The £20,000 reward, offered to generate new leads, signifies the family's determination to bring closure to a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on their lives.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police through Operation Poldark or the incident room, highlighting its continued importance in unraveling a case that has remained unsolved for over three decades.
This plea coincides with the 31st anniversary of his death, marking another poignant chapter in a long-unresolved murder case.
On January 16, 1994, James Akinwande was chased, beaten, and stabbed by a large group of men after an evening at the Vox nightclub.
The attack occurred on Brighton Terrace at approximately 4:45 am.
Although he managed to break free from his attackers by shedding his distinctive Fila jacket, he succumbed to multiple stab wounds after collapsing near a police van.
Speaking on the anniversary of his death, his sister Victoria Tawiah expressed the family's enduring grief and their unyielding desire for justice.
'The pain we all felt and still feel is indescribable,' she said.
'The devastation caused by his murder has left our mother so heartbroken she is unable to visit his grave.'
The Metropolitan Police continue to investigate the crime.
Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin reiterated the commitment of the police force, stating, 'We have not given up hope of securing justice for James’s family and providing them with the answers they so desperately need.'
Details of the attack describe Akinwande being singled out from his friends after an altercation during a music event inside the nightclub.
His last moments involved a desperate attempt to escape his assailants, only to be cornered and fatally injured.
The case remains open, with the Metropolitan Police actively seeking information from the public regarding the group of men responsible.
Ms. Tawiah emphasized the profound impact the incident continues to have on her family: 'My brother was robbed of getting married, becoming a father, and so much more.'
The characteristic Fila jacket worn by Akinwande that night—half red, half dark blue, featuring the brand logo—remains missing, potentially holding evidence crucial to the investigation.
The £20,000 reward, offered to generate new leads, signifies the family's determination to bring closure to a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on their lives.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police through Operation Poldark or the incident room, highlighting its continued importance in unraveling a case that has remained unsolved for over three decades.
