A man has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 24 years for fatally stabbing his business associate with a hunting knife following a dispute over investments in a car rental venture. Ben Wazabanga, 24, was found guilty of murder after killing Ayowale Aladejana, 26, outside Aladejana’s residence in New Cross, south London.

The court heard that Wazabanga, along with his partner Ronique Belfon, had faced difficulties reaching Aladejana as the car rental business encountered financial troubles. On August 2, 2025, armed with a hunting knife, Wazabanga and Belfon traveled from Bedford to south London with two young children in the car in search of Aladejana.

Despite Wazabanga’s plea of self-defense, evidence presented in court revealed his history of carrying a knife for several years. The prosecution described how Wazabanga fatally stabbed Aladejana during a confrontation captured in part by a doorbell camera. Following the incident, Wazabanga fled the scene momentarily to retrieve a dropped phone before leaving with Belfon in the car.

Wazabanga, who admitted to carrying a bladed article and breaching a suspended sentence, had prior convictions related to knife possession and threats. His defense attorney highlighted his remorse and efforts to reflect on his actions while in custody. The court also heard emotional statements from the victim’s mother and partner expressing the profound impact of Aladejana’s violent death.

Judge Martyn Levett condemned Wazabanga’s habitual knife-carrying behavior, emphasizing the detrimental impact of knife crime in the UK. Despite Wazabanga’s remorse and desire for personal growth, the court highlighted the serious consequences of his actions and the tragic loss experienced by the victim’s loved ones.