In a harrowing case of revenge violence, three men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 25-year-old Hamza Iqbal in London.
Joshua Oladele, Micah Hines, and Ali Alamiri were convicted for their roles in the brutal attack that occurred on September 24, 2023, on Wembley Way.
The court heard that Iqbal was fatally stabbed 23 times by the trio who were carrying out a revenge attack on behalf of 28-year-old Dontae Smicle, who had been stabbed 11 days earlier. The attack was reportedly driven by a gang territory dispute.
On the evening of the murder, Iqbal and his friends were confronted by Oladele, Hines, and Alamiri, who were armed with machetes. The three men, all 21 years old, had been picked up by Smicle and driven to the scene.
Upon exiting their vehicle wearing hoodies and balaclavas, they attacked Iqbal and his group. Despite attempts to flee, Iqbal was chased down by Oladele and subjected to a savage assault.
Judge Rosa Dean described the attack as a “punishment killing” and noted the terror Iqbal must have experienced as he was repeatedly stabbed. Iqbal was pronounced dead at Northwick Park Hospital approximately an hour after the attack.
The court heard from Iqbal’s grieving family, who remembered him as a devoted family man and an Arsenal fan. They spoke of the profound impact of his loss and the ongoing void left in their lives.
Oladele, Hines, and Alamiri were apprehended shortly after the incident. Oladele and Hines were found hiding in Woolwich, while Alamiri was arrested at his home.
During the trial, the defendants claimed they were acting under Smicle’s orders and sought to scare Iqbal’s group rather than kill them. Smicle, who orchestrated the attack, has since fled the country.
In sentencing, Judge Dean expressed disappointment that the defendants showed no remorse or apology.
She sentenced Oladele to a minimum of 28 years, Hines to a minimum of 25 years, and Alamiri to a minimum of 24 years in prison.
The case underscores the severe consequences of gang-related violence and the deep impact on victims’ families.
