5 jailed for Highgate murder of Abdul Rahman caught on CCTV

CCTV footage captures the shocking final minutes of a businessman’s life before five thugs gunned him down in cold blood after a Ramadan party. Abdul Rahman Abubaker, 24, suffered catastrophic injuries after being blasted with a shotgun in the Highgate area of Birmingham and he died hours later in hospital. Five men have been given life sentences for murdering a man who was shot while leaving a barbecue. Abdul-Rahman Abu-Baker had been with friends in the Highgate area of Birmingham in May 2018 when he was targeted by a man waiting in a car.

It was a pre-planned attack, they said, and the defendants burned evidence afterwards. But prosecutors added it may never be known which of the men fired the fatal shot. The five – Abdirahman Yusuf, 23, of Aston, Birmingham; Mustafa Omar, 21, of no fixed address; Shire Omar Elmi, 24, from Glasgow; Fahmi Daahir, 23, from Nechells, Birmingham and Abdirahman Dirie, 21, of no fixed address – were sentenced after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Daahir was told he would serve at least 27 years in prison, Yusuf and Elmi 25 years, Omar 22 years, and Dirie 21.

Murder scene 2018

Prosecutors said three stolen cars had been used for the attack and had visited the scene in the days before the killing to plan it. Phone evidence was recovered that showed the men planning the shooting and discussing how to destroy two of the cars afterwards.

Giovanni DAlessandro of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “While we may never know which of these men fired the fatal shot, the evidence indicates that all five men were willing participants in the pre-planned attack. “Despite the substantial evidence linking them to the crime, they denied the charges, forcing Mr Abu-Baker’s family to relive the tragedy of their loss through a trial.”

One car was abandoned but another, a VW Passat, was sent out on several trips to scour the area near the barbecue. A stolen Ford Kuga – part of the convoy from which the fatal shot was fired – was taken back to Hams Road and set alight within six minutes of the shooting. A taxi was ordered to pick up a group further down the road shortly afterwards.

An examination of the Kuga found shotgun cartridges and the remnants of a fuel container in the scorched shell. Another vehicle in the convoy – an Audi A3 – was discovered in Arley Road, Alum Rock, after being set alight three days after the killing. Daahir’s sock was found in the car and he, along with Yusuf admitted arson ahead of the trial.  Cell site records also established telephone communication involving members of the group.

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Giovanni DAlessandro, of the CPS, said: ‘While we may never know which of these men fired the fatal shot, the evidence indicates that all five men were willing participants in the pre-planned attack on Mr Abu-Baker which led to his death. ‘The defendants attempted to cover up their crimes by burning two of the cars they had used to facilitate the attack.

‘Despite the substantial evidence linking them to the crime, they denied the charges, forcing Mr Abu-Baker’s family to relive the tragedy of their loss through a trial. ‘Today, all five men have been sentenced for their part in the needless and tragic loss of a young life. ‘I hope that the sentencing today sends an important message that these crimes will be meticulously investigated and vigorously prosecuted.

‘The use of firearms on our streets is a menace to all and offending of this nature will not be tolerated. ‘My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Abu-Baker at what must continue to be a very difficult time for them.’ Superintendent Edward Foster, of West Midlands Police, said: ‘This has been a complex investigation during which Abdul, along with his family and friends, have been at the forefront of our minds. ‘We will never probably never know the reason behind this tragic killing and who actually fired the fatal shot

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