Anniversary appeal into bouncer's killing

8:04am Tuesday 15th July 2008

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Police have issued an anniversary appeal over the murder of a bouncer killed trying to protect clubbers during a shooting.

Kolawole Ojo Babadiya - known as Kola - was killed by a single gunshot wound outside the SW8 bar in the early hours of July 15, 2007.

�I believe there are people who know who is responsible for Kola's murder and haven�t yet come forward. If you are that person, I ask you to find the courage to speak to us, and in return I give you my assurance that the information you give will be treated in absolute confidence."

Detective Constable Adnan Qureshi

He had been working at the club on Wandsworth Road when at 01.37am a man further down the street opened fire with a machine gun.

Officers from Operation Trident believe Kola had been trying to shield other clubbers who were standing near him when he hit once in the head by a bullet.

The 28-year-old died later that morning in hospital.

A second man, aged in his 20s, was also hurt in the shooting. He was treated for muscle tissue damage and released from hospital.

Witnesses said the gunman was wearing a long, dark coat and had been standing about 30 meters from the club's entrance when he produced a gun from under his jacket and opened fire.

A £20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution or the person or people responsible for Mr Babadiya's murder.

Detective Constable Adnan Qureshi, who is leading the investigation, said: "There is no indication whatsoever that Kola was the intended target of the attack.

"Tragically, it seems he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"I am confident about the progress of the investigation. We have made one arrest so far and are currently working on a number of significant lines of enquiry.

"But I still need the help of local people to solve this murder.

"I believe there are people who know who is responsible for Kola's murder and haven't yet come forward. If you are that person, I ask you to find the courage to speak to us, and in return I give you my assurance that the information you give will be treated in absolute confidence.

"It may be the key to justice for Kola and his family."

Anyone with information should call the Operation Trident incident room on 020 8247 4554 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• A 16-year-old boy from the Lambeth area was arrested on July 1 on suspicion of murder. He has been bailed to return to a south London police station in early September.