Abraham Badru, son of member, House of Representatives, Lagos Island Constituency 1, Dolapo Badru, was fatally shot on Sunday night in Hackney, east London, where he lived, police have said.
His murder was the 10th in London in 12 days and 19th of the year
Badru, 26, worked as a football coach after getting a Master’s degree in sports coaching from the University of Gloucestershire and was hoping to start a PhD.
He received a police bravery award for giving evidence against a gang who raped a girl on the Frampton Park Estate in 2007.
His devastated mother was at the scene and collapsed on the ground in tears as her son passed away beside her.
Badru was his mother’s only child and had a stepfamily on the side of his 62-year-old father.
Armed police were called to Ferncliff Road shortly after 11pm on Sunday, where Mr Badru was found fatally wounded.
One witness who lives near the scene described hearing “one shot and a cry of pain” before he saw the man lying on the ground.
Badru’s friends described him as a “bubbly and outgoing” young man who was “making a life for himself” after completing his studies.
He had a fiancée in Nigeria and was due to be coaching at a football match on Tuesday.
Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith from Scotland Yard’s murder squad said: “We are appealing for information so we can establish the circumstances which led to a young man losing his life. “Anyone with information who hasn’t yet spoken with us should come forward without delay.”
His family, who held a vigil for him on Tuesday night, said in a statement: “We are beyond heartbroken and filled with emptiness. A bright light was put out by an evil person.”
