DAHIR ALI Wanted in Lozells Murder Investigation

Hi and welcome to this JK NEWS B'HAM Crime Report for VPN: REGIONAL NETWORKS:

Authorities are intensifying their search for a 27-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Ekrimh Mena’a, who was fatally stabbed in Lozells on September 30.

Ekrimh Mena’a, 39, was discovered with severe stab wounds on Hunters Road, near the Villa Road junction, shortly after midnight following a reported disorder. A second man, in his 20s, also sustained serious injuries during the incident. Despite emergency medical attention, Mena’a succumbed to his injuries, prompting an extensive murder investigation.

To date, five men aged between 21 and 38 have been arrested from various addresses across Birmingham on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. All five remain in police custody as questioning continues.

Police are now appealing for public assistance to locate a sixth suspect, Dahir Ali, 27, who is wanted on suspicion of murder.

Ali’s photograph has been released as part of the appeal. Authorities urge anyone who sees him or knows his whereabouts to contact the police immediately by calling 999 and quoting reference number 20/885260/24.

“We understand the impact this incident has had on the Lozells community and are committed to uncovering the full circumstances,” a police spokesperson said. “We are working tirelessly to identify everyone involved.”

Residents with information are encouraged to come forward to aid the investigation.

ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding Joint Enterprise and Murder

As part of our campaign to improve public understanding of UK criminal law, we aim to clarify legal concepts relevant to the cases we report.

This case highlights the doctrine of joint enterprise in the context of murder.

Joint enterprise is a legal principle allowing multiple individuals to be held criminally responsible for a crime, even if they did not directly commit the act. In murder cases, this doctrine is often applied when a group participates in a violent incident that results in someone’s death.

Under joint enterprise, a person can be convicted of murder if:

• They participated in the crime with the intention of committing a violent act.

• They foresaw the possibility that a co-defendant might use serious violence, such as wielding a knife, and continued to participate regardless of that risk.

The legal foundation for joint enterprise stems from case law, with key rulings by the Supreme Court in R v Jogee (2016), which reshaped the doctrine. Before Jogee, foresight of the crime was sufficient for conviction, but the court now requires proof of intention to assist or encourage the principal offender in committing the specific crime.

While this reform tightened the criteria for conviction, the courts remain firm in prosecuting those who knowingly engage in group violence, particularly where deadly weapons are involved. In murder cases involving joint enterprise, all participants can face the same mandatory life sentences, with minimum terms determined by the severity of their involvement and the degree of premeditation.

Understanding joint enterprise gives an insight into how collective actions in violent crimes are treated by the law, reinforcing the principle that individuals cannot evade responsibility when they knowingly participate in or encourage lethal violence.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Jason King

Birmingham City-Desk

Twitter (X) @JasonKingNews

Jasonkingnews@gmail.com