Court told Bedford couple took children to knife attack
Ayowale Aladejana died on Saturday in New Cross
Last updated 6th Aug 2025
A court has been told a Bedford couple took two small children with them during a targeted attack in south east London.
Ben Wazabanga and Ronique Belfon had allegedly travelled to south-east London to kill Ayowale Aladejana with youngsters, aged one and two, in the back of their car.
The pair, both aged 23, appeared at the Old Bailey charged with murder.
26 year old Mr Aladejana was fatally stabbed in Monson Road in New Cross on Saturday 2nd August.
Paramedics arrived at the scene first followed by police and, despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 8.13pm.
Prosecutor Ben Holt told the court: "This would appear to be a targeted attack on the victim.
"Both defendants travelled some distance with two small children, (1 and 2 years) in the car to carry out the attack."
Mr Holt said the incident was captured on ring doorbell video footage.
Beforehand, the defendants' car had allegedly circled the address a number of times before Wazabanga got out and approached the victim's home.
The victim allegedly opened his door and was heard to say: "Brother, why you coming to my home?"
Following an exchange, it is alleged Belgian national Wazabanga stabbed Mr Aladejana once in the chest before the defendants drove off.
They were subsequently arrested and charged on Monday August 4 with murder. Wazabanga was also charged with possession of a knife.
Wazabanga appeared in the dock of the Old Bailey and Belfon was on a video-link from Bronzefield jail for their first Crown Court appearance.
The defendants, from Bedford, spoke only to confirm their identities before Judge Lynn Tayton KC set a timetable for the case.
A plea hearing will take place on October 23 and a trial lasting up to four weeks was provisionally set from April 13 next year.
Remanding the defendants into custody, Judge Tayton said: "The nature of the offence appears to be a targeted killing and one that was planned."