UK drill artist CB was convicted of homicide Thursday at London’s Old Bailey after an eight-year investigation linked him to the deadly stabbing of a 24-year-old man in a comfort retailer ambush tied to gang violence.

The 27-year-old, born Lekan Akinsoji and often known as “Cracky Blacks,” was discovered responsible alongside Sundjata Keita, additionally 27, for the 2017 killing of Ahmed Deen-Jah in Custom House, East London.

Prosecutors stated the assault was a part of a cycle of retaliation between rival gangs.

Deen-Jah had stepped right into a nook store to purchase a lighter when he was chased and stabbed by a masked man. Surveillance footage confirmed him re-entering the shop seconds later, bleeding from a chest wound. He died on the scene.

“Eight years on from Ahmed’s vicious murder, today his family finally have the justice they deserve,” stated Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen. “Akinsoji and Keita have spent years thinking they have got away with murdering Ahmed, a man who they had never met and didn’t know.”

The case had stalled for years after each males had been arrested inside days of the April 2, 2017, killing, however had been launched as a consequence of a scarcity of proof.

A evaluate of the case in 2023 reignited the investigation, resulting in a breakthrough by means of cellphone knowledge evaluation and forensic testing.

Footage of UK Drill rapper CB and his confederate SK getting arrested for Ahmed Deen-Jahs homicide. pic.twitter.com/nyETI64s3V

— VE Media (@ve_ldn) October 10, 2025

Keita’s cellphone was traced to the getaway automobile used within the homicide, which was later discovered burned in Epping Forest.

Investigators additionally found a knife sheath close to the crime scene that carried Keita’s DNA. DNA matching Akinsoji was recovered from the sufferer’s hand.

Akinsoji emerged within the UK drill scene in 2017 together with his debut observe “Take That Risk,” gaining notoriety for his uncooked lyrics and street-focused narratives.

Drill music has lengthy drawn criticism from authorities and the general public over its perceived ties to avenue crime and gang tradition.

Prosecutors argued that the killing was a focused act of gang rivalry. Both defendants had been driving a stolen automotive by means of the neighborhood, allegedly looking for members of a rival crew once they encountered Deen-Jah, who had no identified ties to both group.

Ahmed’s father expressed gratitude after the decision, saying he was “overwhelmed with relief” and praised the detectives for his or her persistence.

Both males are scheduled to return to courtroom for sentencing on October 24 and face life behind bars.

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