Man jailed for life for the murder of 22-year-old Badri Issa

A man who was found guilty of murder following a two week trial at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, has today (Friday 7 June 2024) been sentenced.

Raami Mohamed (02/02/2002) of Fairy Lane, Manchester, has been sentenced to life with a minimum term of 18 years. He was found guilty of murder.

Another man, Kevell Blake, who was found guilty of manslaughter, will be sentenced at a later date.

On Wednesday 25 October 2023, Badri Issa met up with his friend to go to their regular gym class. As they travelled along Princess Road towards the city centre, they noticed a white car driving next to them, trying to get their attention.

Raami Mohamed, who was driving the white vehicle, gestured for Omar Jeylaani to pull over.

Both cars turned onto Moss Lane East and parked in the bus layby.

Badri’s friend got out of the car, but was confronted by Mohamed, who appeared agitated and aggressive. Badri got out of the car to try and de-escalate the situation, but he was stabbed in the process.

He collapsed, but the men continued a violent assault on Badri’s friend, all of which played out in broad daylight, with passers by and commuters attempting to intervene.

Emergency services attended, and Badri was taken to hospital for further treatment where he sadly died as a result of his injuries.

Paying tribute to Badri, his family said: "Badri was more than just a son and brother. He was a friend, a confidant, and a beacon of light in our family. His selflessness and unwavering commitment to peace and harmony were evident in every aspect of his life. He always believed in the power of dialogue and understanding, and he never hesitated to step in when he saw a wrong that needed to be righted.

"On that fateful day, Badri acted in accordance with his principles. He saw a situation escalating and knew that his intervention could prevent further harm. In a world where it is often easier to turn a blind eye, Badri chose to be a peacemaker. He chose to act, to step forward, and to try to defuse a potentially dangerous situation. It was in this courageous act that he was taken from us.

"Badri's legacy is one of courage, compassion, and sacrifice. He was a true hero, and his actions on that day were a testament to his character. He gave his life trying to protect others, embodying the very essence of what it means to be selfless.

"Badri's life, though cut short, made a profound impact on everyone who knew him. He will continue to inspire us to be better, to strive for peace, and to help those in need. We will remember him not for the way he died, but for the way he lived  with integrity, kindness, and an unyielding commitment to making the world a better place. Always in our dua’s (act of supplication) daily.

"Badri's memory will live on in the acts of kindness and bravery that each of us carries out in our daily lives."

On 25/10/23 our Major Incident Team launched an investigation, and hours of CCTV enquiries enabled us to build a picture of the suspects movements in the days and hours before the attack.

The car that Mohamed and Blake were in was soon located by one of our neighbourhood officers in a car park on Arrow Street, Manchester, and was recovered for the forensic examination. During this, blood was detected near the gear stick. The blood was identified as the blood of the victim, Badri Issa.

A warrant was executed at Fairy Lane, Cheetham Hill, Mohamed’s last known address. Despite not being present, police seized evidence which could link him to the white car. Later that evening, he was arrested on Heaton Street in Prestwich.

On Saturday 28 October a warrant was executed at the home address of Kevell Blake. Whilst he wasn’t at the address, police seized crucial items of clothing which were consistent with what was worn in the hours after the attack.

Telecommunications data revealed extensive contact between the pair in the lead up to the attack. At 6:05pm on Wednesday 25 October, their devices were in the same location, it’s believed they were in the car together. 90 minutes later, Badri was stabbed.

Activity from the mobile phone number linked to Mohamed showed it was out of use for the time period during the attack, and for the hours that ensued. From 1:30am on Thursday 26 October, the number wasn’t used again.

Hours later, Mohamed and Blake appeared to reconvene at a house on Recreation Street, Manchester. The next morning, phone records show Mohamed was in contact with a solicitor in Birmingham. He then ordered a taxi to the solicitor’s business premises.

They were subsequently charged, and a trial began at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square on Tuesday 23 April. In Court, Raami Mohamed claimed he acted in self-defence.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Naismith from our Major Incident Team said: “Badri Issa was so young when he lost his life in the most tragic way. Having just graduated from university, he was on the cusp of starting a new life, a new career, and reaching new milestones. He paid the ultimate price for trying to de-escalate a situation. 

“Since day one, Badri has been at the heart of our investigation, and we have had teams of officers working around the clock to find answers for his family.

"I know that no outcome will ever lessen the pain his family feel, but I hope that today’s sentencing goes some way to giving his loved ones some comfort knowing that his killers are behind bars.”