Badir Al-Nazi, 24, who was homeless at the time, has been found guilty of the murder of 20-year-old Mohammed Al-Araimi in a shocking stabbing attack in Knightsbridge. The brutal incident also left Mohammed’s friend seriously wounded.
The verdict was reached at Inner London Crown Court on 13 August. Al-Nazi had previously admitted to carrying a bladed article. His accomplice, 23-year-old Arseboon Dilbaro, also homeless, was convicted of wounding but was cleared of murder and carrying a blade. Both men were acquitted of attempted robbery charges.
The attack took place shortly after midnight on 5 December 2019. Mohammed and his friend had just finished dinner in Knightsbridge and were walking down a dark alley between Basil Street and Sloane Street when Al-Nazi and Dilbaro were waiting. Without warning, Al-Nazi stabbed Mohammed in the chest. Both victims attempted to flee, but Mohammed collapsed yards away on Hans Crescent. Despite paramedics’ desperate efforts, Mohammed died at the scene. His friend survived with a stab wound.
The Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Unit launched a fast-track investigation following the attack. CCTV footage showed Al-Nazi dropping a knife sheath shortly after the stabbing. DNA evidence found on the wounded man’s cap linked Dilbaro to the scene. Both suspects’ faces were featured in public appeals for information.
On 8 January 2020, Al-Nazi handed himself in to police. Officers later traced Dilbaro, who had fled to Egypt, and arrested him upon his return to the UK in July 2020. Both men were subsequently charged in connection with the attack.
Detective Inspector James Howarth commented on the case: “I am delighted that Badir Al-Nazi has been found guilty of the murder of Mohammed Al-Araimi and Arseboon Dilbaro for the attack on his friend. Mohammed and his friend were innocent victims going about their routine lives when they were brutally attacked. During the trial, Al-Nazi tried to smear Mohammed’s name, but the jury saw through his lies. Both families remain devastated by these events. I hope these convictions help them find some closure.”
Both men are scheduled to be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on 10 September.
Originally published by UKNIP.
