Mallard Close robbery in Dartford: Four jailed

In 2022, Emmanuel Nkrumah-Buansi, Jacob Afolabi and Habib Kanu planned to rob people using information provided by Lee Garrard.

At around 7.15pm on 2 April 2022, Emmanuel and Jacob arranged to meet a 22-year-old man near Mallard Close. Dartford.

They approached him while he was in his car and when they tried to rob him, Emmanuel stabbed the victim.

They fled, and the victim of injuries to his back and left arm died on the spot, despite receiving medical attention.

Kent and Essex Serious Crime Squad investigated the crime and both men were identified and arrested.

Police also confirmed that Emmanuel, Jacob and Habib were involved in an earlier robbery in Dartford on March 25.

The Crown Prosecution Service later authorized murder charges against Emmanuel and Jacob.

They were also charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and causing grievous bodily harm with intent, along with Habib and Lee.

At Woolwich Crown Court, Emmanuel, of Mayplace Road East, Bexleyheath, and Jacob, of Joyce Green Lane, Dartford, both denied murder.

On January 20, 2023, a jury found them both guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

All four are on trial for causing grievous bodily harm.

Habib, of Buckland Hill, Maidstone, and Jacob were also convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Emmanuel and Lee, of Laburnum Avenue, Dartford, pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy charge at a preliminary hearing.

All four men were sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, June 5.

The judge sentenced 39-year-old Emmanuel to 21 years.

When he is released, his license will be extended for five years.

Yakov, 27, was jailed for 21 years and will have his license extended for three years when he is released.

Both Emmanuel and Jacob will have to serve 14 years before being eligible for parole.

34-year-old Khabib was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

When he is released, he will be subject to an extended license period of three years.

31-year-old Lee received 11 years and 8 months in prison.

Habib must serve nine years and four months and Lee almost eight years before they are eligible for parole.

Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Kathleen Way, of Kent and Essex Serious Crime Squad, said: “These four men have shown no remorse for their actions and involvement in these violent incidents.

“They were driven by greed and did not hesitate to arm themselves with weapons to inflict serious injury to ensure success.
“Their plan ended only in the senseless loss of one young man’s life.

“This was a brazen attack that took place in a small community and caused considerable fear and anxiety.

“I am pleased that the jury found them guilty of their crimes and that they were sentenced accordingly.”