Who is Lekan Akinsoji? UK-Based Nigerian Rapper Facing Life Imprisonment for Murder

Lekan Akinsoji, a 27-year-old UK-based Nigerian drill rapper, is now facing life imprisonment after being found guilty of murder in relation to a deadly stabbing that took place in East London. The verdict was announced at the Old Bailey on October 9, 2025, concluding a four-week-long trial. His associate, Sundjata Keita, also 27, was convicted of the same crime.

The 2017 Murder of Ahmed Deen-Jah

The incident happened on April 2, 2017, near Custom House station in East London. The victim, 21-year-old Ahmed Deen-Jah, known locally as “Grinna,” was attacked after leaving a nearby shop. Despite emergency assistance, he died just metres away from his home at 3:49 p.m.

Prosecutors stated that the attack was not spontaneous, but a planned gang confrontation. They described it as a “ride-out,” where gang members enter rival territory to hunt for opponents.

Gang Links and Evidence

During the trial, Akinsoji admitted to being part of the Woodgrange gang, while Deen-Jah was associated with the Custom House gang. CCTV footage showed Akinsoji and Keita wearing black clothing and balaclavas as they fled in a black Mercedes.

Akinsoji had appeared in a drill music video titled “Armed and Ready,” boasting lyrics like “No face, no case, no evvy,” which prosecutors used to highlight his glorification of gang violence.

Who is Lekan Akinsoji? Previous Criminal History

This is not Akinsoji’s first serious offense. In 2018, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm and firearm possession. He performed under the stage names “CB” and “Cracky Blacks,” and was active on social media, especially Twitter, under @stillwoody_cb.

Conviction and Sentencing

The jury reached a 10-2 majority verdict, finding both Akinsoji and Keita guilty of murder. Judge Anthony Leonard KC has ordered them to remain in custody. Their sentencing is scheduled for October 24, where both men could receive life sentences.