17-year-old jailed for murder of Abdikarim Ahmed

Investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Oldham Major Incident Team sees the killer of Abdikarim Ahmed (18) jailed.

King Sibanda (dob: 28/04/2005) of Kearsley, Bolton was today (Thursday 23 February 2023) sentenced at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment at his Majesty’s pleasure, serving a minimum of 15 years in prison for murder. He was further sentenced to 12 months for possession of a bladed article offence. These sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

He was found guilty of murder and possession of a bladed article at the trial in August 2022.

The 17-year-old stabbed Abdikarim outside the Millgate Shopping Centre in Bury on Friday 11 March 2022. Following the attack, Abdikarim sought help in a nearby bar and was given first aid by staff.

He was taken to hospital where he tragically passed away as a result of his injuries. A post-mortem revealed the cause of his death was a large stab wound to the left side of his chest, which would have taken considerable force to inflict.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Middleton of Greater Manchester Police Major Incident Team said “Firstly I would also like to extend my condolences to Abdikarim’s loved ones who have had to cope with his loss in horrific circumstances. 

"The verdict today cannot bring Abdikarim back but I hope it brings some reassurance to know that the offender is behind bars and facing justice for his actions which have brought pain and suffering to a loving family.

"I would like to thank the perseverance and determination of GMP's Major Incident Team along with the VERA unit within the Serious Crimes Division, who worked together to review hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and build the case against the 17-year-old offender. 

"I'd also like to thank GMP Bury's district staff who were on hand to help in the early stages of the investigation and the bravery of witnesses who came forwards and gave information that helped identify the killer.

"It was a senseless attack that resulted in another life lost to knife crime. Knives will not be tolerated on the streets of Greater Manchester and GMP will continue to actively pursue those involved in knife crime to make our communities safer.

"There are no positives to carrying a knife and I would urge anyone who might be carrying a knife or thinking of carrying a knife to think very carefully about the consequences. 

"If you have concerns that someone you know or care about is carrying or hiding a knife, please talk to them about the consequences. Help is available via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the Fearless campaign website: https://www.fearless.org/en/give-info.

"Please also report anyone carrying a knife to GMP for their safety and for the safety of everyone else. You can talk to us via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk or call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency."