Finsbury Park, Islington: Drug dealer convicted of murder

David Odunuga stabbed Brian Edwards three times following an argument between the pair near Finsbury Park on September 19, 2023.

Emergency services were called at 4am that morning and found 53-year-old Brian injured outside his house in Tollington Park. He died a short time later.

Now Odunuga, 33, of Rollason Way, Brentwood, has been found guilty at the Old Bailey today (April 3) of murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

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After the killing, detectives spoke with two of Brian's friends who had been at his house throughout the night.

Victim Brian Edwards who was stabbed to death by drug dealer David Odunuga (Image: Met)

They said he had gone outside to meet a drug dealer and that they had heard Brian shouting for help.

Neighbours told officers there had been arguing, and that the suspect was wearing a mask and had been rummaging in a silver vehicle left at the scene.

Detectives were able to link the silver BMW X5 to Odunuga from false details and addresses on insurance and registration documents.

Their suspicion that Odunuga was the suspect was strengthened when a key for the BMW was recovered and scientists confirmed his DNA was on it.

Further analysis of his car's movements on the night of attack and his mobile phone data also linked him to the crime.

Extensive CCTV trawls tracked Odunaga to a family address and the place the victim’s phone was later found discarded.

Odunuga was arrested at his home in Brentwood on September 22 following a joint operation between the Metropolitan Police and Essex Police.

A black balaclava and a large knife sheath were found inside another vehicle he owned.

During the trial, Odunuga admitted having changed his name by deed poll to get a driving licence and passport used to evade prosecution for traffic offences and circumvent a driving ban.

But he denied murder or being present at the scene, claiming a drug dealer took his vehicle as part of a drugs debt hours before the stabbing.

Odunaga will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Thursday (April 4).

Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Carberry, who led the investigation, said: "This case is a stark reminder of the devastation drugs cause to communities across London.

"It should also act as a warning to those habitually carrying knives and engaging in serious violence that every effort will be made to identify and prosecute you, to ensure other families and communities do not have to feel the pain and loss that Brian’s family currently do."