Two jailed for life over Custom House gang murder

Judge Anthony Leonard KC jailed the pair for life, with a minimum term of 28 years for Akinsoji and 22 years for Keita.

Previously, the court had heard how they had donned black clothes, balaclavas and gloves for the “gang ride-out” attack, got out of a stolen black Mercedes car and chased the victim, who ran into BJ Wines off licence.

During a struggle, Mr Deen-Jah was stabbed in the heart by Akinsoji who then ran off with Keita.

An ambulance was called and Mr Deen-Jah, who was known by the street name Grinna, was pronounced dead at the scene, which was 426ft (130m) from his home.

Prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC had told jurors: “This killing was not a spontaneous act of violence, but an attack planned against a background of street violence between two east London gangs.

“Those in the black Mercedes had been on a ‘ride-out’ – driving to an opposing gang’s area looking for rival gang members, or perceived members, to attack.”

Ten days before the murder, Akinsoji rapped on a video entitled Armed And Ready about how he intended to avoid getting caught, saying: “No face, no case, no evvy (evidence).”

Mr Deen-Jah was a member of the Custom House gang and Akinsoji admitted being a member of the Woodgrange gang, although Keita denied association.

Keita declined to give evidence in the Old Bailey trial.