Murdered DJ's family's fresh appeal

An appeal has been launched to trace a man wanted in connection with the murder of a talented DJ five years ago.

The family of Carl Beatson Asiedu has made an emotional appeal for information in the hope it will lead to the arrest of a man who fled the UK days after the murder.

Detectives are keen to trace Jeffrey Okafor who they believe is responsible for killing 19-year-old Mr Asiedu, the Metropolitan Police said.

With strong evidence to suggest that he has fled to Nigeria, a reward of £10,000 is being offered by police for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of Okafor.

Mr Asiedu died in the street after being stabbed in the heart in the early hours of August 1 2009.

Known as DJ Charmz, he was a successful DJ and well known on the clubbing scene.

He had just performed a set at the Club Life nightclub in Goding Street and was with friends on the night he was killed.

Detectives are also launching a Facebook appeal in the hope that someone is able to provide information on Okafor’s whereabouts, police said.

He was a known Facebook user before the murder and officers believe that he is still using this or other social media as a means of communicating with friends and family back in the UK.

Police believe Okafor is hiding in Nigeria having fled the UK on August 17 2009.

He was last captured on CCTV boarding an Air France flight at Heathrow Airport using his brother’s passport, police said.

The victim’s father John Asiedu has spoken of his heartache.

“Five years have passed since Carl was murdered,” he said.

“I still feel the pain and get a lump in my throat whenever his tragic death crosses my mind, or when I hear that someone has been stabbed to death.

“Part of me died with him and I have to carry on living with what is left of me.

“Carl’s tragic death has changed my view of life, people, the justice system and the world.”

Detective Inspector Alison Hepworth of the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) said: “Carl was a talented DJ who had his whole life ahead of him.

“His family, whom fully support this new appeal, have had to endure five years of heartache and they are desperately seeking justice for Carl’s murder.

“Over the years, a number of people have stood trial and have been convicted for their involvement in Carl’s death but there has always been one outstanding individual whom we sought to trace whom we believe delivered the fatal stab wound.

“That person is Jeffrey Okafor.

“There is strong evidence indicating his involvement on the night when Carl died.

“We know Jeffrey fled the UK to evade arrest and avoid facing justice.

“He flew to Nigeria entering the country illegally under a false identity.

“We believe he is still hiding somewhere there, possibly with a new identity, and possibly living a relatively comfortable life.

“We are working with the law enforcement agencies there in the hope of tracing him.

“We know there are people in the UK supporting him in his new life in Nigeria and are shielding him from facing justice.

“I would appeal to those people – his friends or family – if you have in some way helped to aid his escape, now is your opportunity to do the right thing and tell us where he is.

“Likewise, there may be family and friends in Nigeria who do not know the real reasons for Jeffrey being in Nigeria and may have been given false information by him.

“They may not be aware of the full circumstances as to why he hastily left the UK.

“We are appealing to those people who know Jeffrey Okafor previously in the UK and in Nigeria to come forward and assist us with our enquires.

“Any information that you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

She added: “With a reward of £10,000 in place we are hoping that someone will be able to provide us with the information we require .

“Anyone with any information, no matter how small, is asked to contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the incident room on 0208 721 4005.

A dedicated email address – jeffreyokaforwanted@met.police.uk – has been set up for those with information to provide details via email.

Murdered DJ's family's fresh appeal