Abraham Badru: Graduate gunned down in Hackney 'lived in fear' of gang after giving evidence in rape trial, his mother reveals

A graduate shot dead on his doorstep had been living in fear for a decade after giving evidence in a rape trial involving a neighbourhood gang, his mother has revealed.

Abraham Badru , 26, was gunned down at close range after stepping out of his car in Dalston last month.

His mother today spoke for the first time about the murder of her son, who was working as a personal trainer, in an emotional appeal for witnesses.

Ronke Badru said: “My life is now empty. I don’t feel like there’s anything left for me in this world now that he’s gone.”

The mental health support worker added: “This is the longest I’ve ever gone without seeing him. Even when he was at university, I would visit.”

Mr Badru, whose father Dolapo Badru, 62, is a politician in Nigeria, won a bravery award after he intervened in a sex attack on a teenage girl. He then gave evidence against a gang that committed rape on the Frampton Park Estate in 2007.

Mrs Badru, 50, added: “Since the attack Abraham was always scared.

“I am pleading with anyone who knows anything to come forward. It would relieve me a little to know we at least caught who did this.”

Scotland Yard, which is offering a £20,000 reward for information, today said they believe the killer made off on a white bicycle.

Police were called at 11.11pm on March 25 to Ferncliff Road following reports of gunshots. Mr Badru was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099, via 101 or @MetCC. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11