Man who fatally stabbed business associate in row in south London jailed for life
Man Who Fatally Stabbed Business Associate Jailed for Life in New Cross
Man who fatally stabbed business associate - A man who fatally stabbed business associate Ayowale Aladejana has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 24 years behind bars. Ben Wazabanga, aged 24, received the severe punishment for the fatal stabbing that occurred outside Aladejana's home on Monson Road in New Cross, south London. The dramatic confrontation unfolded after Wazabanga traveled more than 50 miles from Bedford to confront his former business partner. In a remarkable detail, he made this long journey accompanied by two young children who stayed safely inside the car throughout the entire incident.
Financial Dispute Sparks Tragedy
Southwark Crown Court heard that Aladejana, 26, had founded a car rental business that eventually faced mounting financial difficulties. Wazabanga and his girlfriend, Ronique Belfon, had invested money into the venture as financial backers. However, tensions grew significantly in the weeks before the fatal attack as the company accumulated substantial debts. The core disagreement involved investments made into the struggling business operation. Wazabanga reportedly felt particularly wronged after contributing funds specifically for vehicle repairs within the company.
The Fatal Confrontation
On August 2, 2025, Wazabanga armed himself with a hunting knife before setting out for the confrontation. He and Ms Belfon left Bedford together, traveling south with their two small children riding in the car. The children remained inside the vehicle while the murder occurred nearby. During a daytime encounter, Wazabanga stabbed Aladejana in the chest. A ring doorbell camera at the victim's home captured part of the violent confrontation on video. After the attack, Wazabanga ran from the scene but briefly returned to retrieve a mobile phone he had dropped during the struggle. He then left in the car driven by Ms Belfon.
Legal Proceedings and Outcomes
A jury convicted Wazabanga of murder in June. During Tuesday's sentencing at the Old Bailey, additional charges were also addressed. He had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article at a hearing in October 2025. He also subsequently admitted to breaching a suspended sentence. Both offenses resulted in concurrent sentences of 18 months and 12 months respectively. Ms Belfon, aged 23, was found not guilty of murder charges. She testified during the trial that she remained unaware her partner carried a knife or planned to commit violence.
"Once more the carrying of a knife and the use of it is another grim illustration of how knife crime is blighting the streets of the UK," Judge Martyn Levett remarked during sentencing.
Victim's Family Shares Their Grief
Prosecutor James Brown KC explained to jurors that Wazabanga harbored "a real axe to grind against Mr Aladejana." Messages presented during the trial demonstrated the escalating attempts by Wazabanga and Ms Belfon to recover their financial losses and locate their former business partner. While Wazabanga asserted he acted in self-defense during the stabbing, evidence emerged showing he had regularly carried a knife for approximately seven years. A touching statement from Lola Paul, Aladejana's mother, was delivered to the court. She characterized her son as "a kind soul" who "always wanted to help people." She continued: "Ayowale was a popular young man, he had lots of friends and was well liked. A mother should never have to bury their child." Katelyn Edwards, Aladejana's partner, shared her grief: "The trauma of what happened has deeply affected my mental health. My partner was taken from us in the most violent way." Wazabanga listened quietly to the sentencing from prison via video-link, alternately sitting upright or leaning forward with his chin resting on his hands upon a table.