Man who stabbed ‘peacemaker’ to death jailed

A man who murdered a “peacemaker” who was trying to calm a street row has been jailed.

Badri Issa, 22, was attempting to defuse tensions between his friend and Raami Mohamed in the Moss Side area of Manchester when the latter stabbed him on 25 October 2023.

Mohamed, 22, of Fairy Lane, Salford, was told he must serve a sentence of at least 18 years after being found guilty of murder at Manchester Crown Court.

Det Ch Insp Andy Naismith, of Greater Manchester Police, said Mr Issa had “paid the ultimate price for trying to de-escalate a situation”.

Kevell Blake, who was found guilty of manslaughter at a previous hearing, will be sentenced on 19 July.

The Issa family said in a statement: “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.”

They added: “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.”

Mr Issa had been driving along Princess Road to attend a gym class with his friend Omar Jeylaani when a white car driven by Mohamed gestured for Mr Jeylaani to pull over, police said.

Both cars turned onto Moss Lane East where Mr Issa’s friend was confronted by Mohamed, who appeared agitated and aggressive.

It was then that Mr Issa got out of the car to calm the situation, before he was stabbed and his friend was subjected to a violent assault.

Mr Issa later died in hospital and police managed to trace the killer after his blood was found near the gear stick of the car Mohamed and Blake drove in.

Mobile phone data also provided key evidence, revealing contact between Blake and Mohamed in the hours before the attack and showing their phones were in the same location together 90 minutes before the stabbing.

Phone records also revealed Mohamed had contacted a Birmingham solicitor and ordered a taxi to their offices.