A court has been informed that a couple allegedly murdered a business associate, Ayowale Aladejana, outside his residence in New Cross, south London, due to a financial dispute. The accused individuals, Ben Wazabanga, 24, and Ronique Belfon, 23, reportedly drove over 50 miles with their two young children to confront Aladejana over unpaid debts from a car rental venture that had turned sour.
According to Southwark Crown Court, Aladejana, 26, had initiated a car rental program where Wazabanga and Belfon were investors. However, tensions arose as the couple believed Aladejana owed them money, leading to difficulties in locating him before the fatal incident.
On the evening of August 2, 2025, Wazabanga, armed with a hunting knife, and Belfon traveled from Bedford to south London with their one and two-year-old children. During the confrontation, Wazabanga fatally stabbed Aladejana with the knife he had brought to the scene.
Prosecutor James Brown KC stated that Belfon drove Wazabanga to find Aladejana and parked nearby to witness the altercation. Following the stabbing, Belfon swiftly drove Wazabanga away from the scene, briefly stopping for him to retrieve his mobile phone.
While the couple denies the murder charges, the prosecution argued that they harbored resentment towards Aladejana for the financial disagreements. Aladejana, who managed a car rental business known as A2M2, was accused of mismanaging finances, causing debt to Belfon and affecting her credit standing.
The trial continues as Wazabanga and Belfon appeared in court, both pleading not guilty to the murder charges.