London: Man convicted of murder after stabbing victim for ‘drug debt’

Kwabena Boateng, 22, of Dod Street, was convicted on Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday of the murder of 33-year-old Mohammed Ensser in a horrific attack on the Isle of Dogs last year. He was also convicted of possessing a knife.

On Wednesday, August 3, he will be convicted at the same court.

Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith said: “This conviction highlights what anyone involved in senseless violence can expect; we will investigate, we will identify those involved and you will go to jail.”

Police rushed to East Ferry Road after reports of a brawl on September 21, 2021.

Officers found Mr Ensser with multiple stab wounds on East Ferry Road. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Mr Ensser had spent the evening in Stamford Hill with a friend before taking a taxi to the Isle of Dogs.

Boateng and two employees had arrived at the location by bicycle minutes earlier. Boateng saw Mr Ensser standing in front of a newsagent and accused him of owing him money for drugs.

During a tense confrontation, Boateng pulled a large knife from his waistband and then proceeded to attack and chase Mr Ensser, who soon tripped and fell between two cars.

Witnesses described a horrific sight as Boateng stood over the victim as he lay on the ground before stabbing the knife into him.

Several people ran from their homes to try to help Mr. Ensser, who was heard to say, “I am going to die” before collapsing.

After the stabbing, Boateng got on his bicycle and fled.

Boateng was arrested on November 11, 2021 by police who found him under a bed at an address on Stewart Street on the Isle of Dogs. He did not comment during the police interrogation.

CCTV, witnesses, forensics and phone records were all collected by the police as part of the investigation.

Mr Smith added: “Our thoughts are with Mr Ensser’s family. While I hope they can see that justice has been done, I understand the magnitude of their grief at such a senseless loss.

Mohamed was not armed. He urged Boateng to settle matters fairly if necessary, but Boateng was relentless and attacked without mercy. This was an attack carried out in full view of several bystanders and people who watched from the windows of their houses.

“The argument was petty, with an alleged drug debt, and Boateng saw well that they could only solve it with serious violence.”