26-year-old Abraham Badru, son of House of Representatives member, Hon. Enitan Dolapo Badru representing Lagos Island, who was given a police bravery award as a teenager for saving a woman from a rape attack, was reportedly shot dead near his family’s London home, in the latest round of bloodshed in the capital.
Abraham, who worked as a football coach after earning his Masters degree in 2015, is the 10th victims of murder in London in 12 days. He reportedly died with his mother at his side, with witnesses saying she ‘collapsed in tears’ on the pavement.
Paying tribute to his son, father Dolapo Badru, 62, a member of the Nigerian Assembly, similar to the House of Commons in the UK, described him as ‘quiet and hard-working’.
‘A few years ago a girl was raped on the estate and Abraham fought them off. He went to court to testify against them and the police gave him an award’ he said.
The late Nigerian man was described as ‘gentle, bubbly and outgoing’ by his friends and ‘the nicest’ man who was ‘making a life for himself’ and regularly attended church with his family.
Neighbours said he was shot while getting out of his car and expressed concerns about safety in the area.
One said: ‘As soon as I heard the bang, I knew it was a gunshot. I’m ex-military and knew that couldn’t be a firework.
‘I went to my balcony and saw a man slumped over on the ground at the back of a car.
‘There was just one shot and a cry of pain. No speeding scooter and no speeding car.
‘I didn’t see anyone make off.’
Another told the Standard: ‘His mother came out and saw him on the floor. It was terrible listening to her collapse crying on the floor. She was just screaming.
‘Everyone was very upset and I had to go away, I couldn’t take it. It happened on our doorstep and I had to say a little prayer for the family.’
A police cordon remains at the scene as officers continue to investigate.
