Abraham Badru, the 26-year old son of a Nigerian lawmaker, Dolapo Badru has been shot dead near his family’s London home in the latest round of bloodshed in the capital.
Dolapo Badru, Abraham’s 62-year-old father, represents Lagos Island I at the House of Representatives on the platform of All Progressives Congress.
Abraham Badru, who was given a police bravery award as a teenager for saving a woman from a sex attack, was gunned down in the street in Dalston, Hackney, just after 11 pm on Sunday, March 25, 2018.
Abraham, who worked as a football coach after earning his Masters degree in sports coaching from the University of Gloucestershire in 2015, was found slumped on the pavement by police called to reports of a loud gunshot.
He was pronounced dead a short time later. His mother, who had rushed to his side, was seen by witnesses collapsed in tears on the pavement.
Abraham’s father told the Standard that his “quiet and hard-working” son once saved a young woman from rape on the estate and later gave evidence which led to her attacker being jailed.
He said: “A few years ago, a girl was raped on the estate and Abraham fought them off. He went to court to testify against them and the police gave him an award.”
Friends paid tribute to Abraham as a “bubbly and outgoing” young man who was “making a life for himself” after completing his studies.
They said he had a fiancee in Nigeria and had volunteered with the Team Nigeria UK football coaching charity, and had been due to coach at an open trial in Charlton on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.
A volunteer said: “He’s such a wonderful guy full of life and very hard-working.”
Abraham had previously worked with Bristol council as a sports development officer, according to his LinkedIn profile and had interned at non-league Gloucester City FC during his degree studies at the University of Gloucestershire.
In a statement, his former club Almondsbury FC, near Bristol, said: “The club are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of former striker Abraham Badru.
“We would like to send our thoughts and prayers to Abraham’s family during this difficult time.”
Neighbors said Abraham had been to church earlier that day and was getting out of his car when he was shot.
One neighbor said: “As soon as I heard the bang, I knew it was a gunshot. I went to my balcony and saw a man slumped over on the ground at the back of a car.”
“There was just one shot and a cry of pain. No speeding scooter and no speeding car.”
Another said: “His mother came out and saw him on the floor. It was terrible listening to her collapse crying on the floor. She was just screaming.”
“Everyone was very upset and I had to go away, I couldn’t take it. It happened on our doorstep and I had to say a little prayer for the family.”
A school friend added: “He had just finished studying for his Masters in sports at the university. He was a bubbly guy and worked so hard. We went to the same church as kids.”
“His mother is a devout Christian. I’m lost for words. I just cannot believe it. He was the nicest guy, very happy and outgoing.”
A police cordon remained in place on Ferncliff Road this morning as detectives continued to investigate the shooting.
Abraham’s mother was being supported by family members at the home around 100 yards away. The family was too upset to speak this morning.
A neighbor said: “They are a lovely, church-going, and loving family. Everyone is stunned this could happen to Abraham.”
“He was a gentle, respectful young man and I pray for his family that is in pain right now.”
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