Eighteen-year-old James Akinwande was chased and stabbed to death in the street after leaving The Vox nightclub in Brixton, south London, on 16 January 1994.

He had spent the night with his friends at The Vox, which in the early 1990s had forged a reputation for music and dancing.

The Vox was understated, under-represented and in south London, defined by its particular connoisseurs; a generation of a culturally eclectic mix driven by the love for rare groove, jazz and equal predilection to dance with the vivacity, class, style and originality that echoed in the diversity and quality of music. 

Franklyn Rogers via Writers Mosaic website

However in the early hours of that Sunday morning The Vox closed early after the event was spoiled a series of fights.

James and his friends were heading home when a “large group of men” singled him out in the street outside Boots The Chemist in Brixton Road.

He was chased down, beaten and stabbed in the chest and left arm before breaking free of the group by slipping out of his distinctive red and dark blue FILA jacket and running towards a police van parked in Brixton Road.

The FILA jacket James was wearing was stolen and has never been recovered

James was given first aid by police officers until an ambulance arrived but died after being taken to King’s College Hospital for treatment.

The case remained unsolved more than 30 years later and in January 2025, the Metropolitan Police issued a new public appeal and offered a £20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of his killers.

Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin said: “We are still actively searching for the group of young men involved in this horrific attack. We have not given up hope of securing justice for James’s family and providing them with the answers they so desperately need after such a long and painful wait.

“If you were involved in the incident, be aware that we are still looking for you. We are now offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the successful charge and conviction of the person or people responsible.

“Think back to 1994 – did you attend this music event? Did you witness the attack on James? You may have been younger then and got involved in something you were not comfortable with, or now regret not speaking out about. If you saw or heard anything, then please come forward to talk with us. It is really important we find out what happened on that night, 31 years ago.

“We have a team of specialist officers who will support you throughout, please do the right thing.”

Police said James’ red and blue FILA jacket “was stolen on the night of the attack and remains missing.”

To provide information to the police call 101, quoting Operation Poldark or CAD1203/16Jan25, or the incident room on 0208 785 8267.

If you want to remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In 1994, our family experienced an unimaginable loss when James was tragically murdered at just 18 years old. James was a light in our lives. He was generous, endlessly funny and filled with a positivity that brightened every room he entered. His laugh, his energy and his love for life are deeply missed every single day. The perpetrators of this senseless act tore a void in our family that can never be filled. His mother, devastated by the loss of her son, has never been the same and finds it too painful to even visit his grave. The impact of James’ absence is felt in every moment, and we continue to grieve the life he was so cruelly denied.”

Statement by James’ family in 2025

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