Man jailed for life for killing business partner

A 24-year-old man, Ben Wazabanga, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 24 years for fatally stabbing his business partner Ayowale Aladejana outside his home in New Cross, south London, after a dispute over funds invested in a car rental venture. He drove more than 50 miles from Bedford to confront Aladejana, travelling with two young children in the car who witnessed the attack. Belfon, his partner in the investment, was cleared of murder, with the court hearing she did not know he intended violence. The sentencing at the Old Bailey followed a trial in which Wazabanga was found guilty of murder, with prosecutors highlighting a premeditated act involving a hunting knife; he also faced earlier convictions for possessing a blade and breaching a suspended sentence. Aladejana’s family described him as a kind, helpful person as they mourned the loss, while the investigation noted a breakdown of the business as debts mounted. Wazabanga claimed self-defence in some reports, but the court imposed a substantial life sentence with concurrent terms for related offences.