Man extradited from Turkey to UK over double murder of Nigerian man and another victim

A man has been extradited to the UK and arrested on suspicion of murder over a double shooting at a pandemic party more than six years ago.

Cheriff Tall, 21, and Nigerian father-of-three Abayomi 'Junior' Ajose, 36, were shot dead at a 'spontaneous' party of 400 people in Moss Side, Manchester, in the early hours of June 21, 2020. 

Murder detectives investigating the shooting said on Sunday they had arrested a 36-year-old man who was detained in Turkey and taken to England the previous day.

He was met at Stansted Airport by Greater Manchester Police officers and remains in custody.

The force said a £50,000 reward remained available for anyone who provides key information leading to the discovery and conviction of those responsible for the killings.

Officers said some of the hundreds of revellers that night, who attended the event in a car park near a block of flats hours after a Black Lives Matter protest, may have 'crucial' eyewitness accounts.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson said: 'This arrest demonstrates our unwavering commitment to securing justice for Junior and Cheriff and their loved ones.

'Over the last six years, myself and my officers have been carrying out multiple warrants, analysing evidence, examining devices that have been seized during the investigation, and pursuing every opportunity to identify those responsible.

'While this arrest marks a significant development in our investigation, our work is far from over. We continue to appeal for information that could help us establish the full circumstances of what happened that night and identify any outstanding suspects.

'We know that some people who were there that night have not yet spoken with us, and we want to take this opportunity to urge you to come forward and speak with us.

'The smallest piece of information could prove to be vital. Anyone who witnessed what happened, or who knows anything about those responsible, please do the right thing and come forward. The £50,000 reward remains in place, and all information we receive will be investigated thoroughly and treated with the respect that it deserves.'

The force said the arrest was a 'significant step' in its investigation.