A £50,000 reward has been announced for information leading to the resolution of the grim unsolved murder of Nottingham taxi driver Ethsham Ul-Haq Ghafoor, known affectionately as Shami, who was killed 30 years ago.
On November 22, 1994, Shami, aged 26 at the time, was found dead at the Lambley Lane Playing Fields, Gedling, Nottinghamshire. His hands were bound to the steering wheel of his taxi, and he had been shot, leading police to categorize the murder as an 'execution'. At the time of his tragic death, Shami was expecting his second child with his wife, alongside their five-year-old son. The shocking nature of this crime has haunted the community for over three decades.
Nottinghamshire Police, recognizing advances in forensic technology, are revisiting the case. They have set up a new investigative team dedicated to reviewing potential new evidence and witness statements to finally bring justice to Ghafoor’s family.
It was just after 2 AM on the night of the murder when Shami was last seen by witnesses. He was reportedly spotted with three Asian men near Carlton Square, driving his distinct black and white Ford Sierra before his body was discovered at approximately 4:30 AM. The place where he was found was remote, typically not associated with taxi pickups, which raises serious questions about the circumstances leading to his murder.
Despite several arrests over the years, no charges were ever brought against anyone, and the weapon used has never been recovered. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Griffin is imploring the community to assist with fresh leads.
During the police press conference, Griffin pointed out, "This was a dreadful murder of a young man, soon to be a dad, executed in his own taxi. It’s time for the community to step up and help give Shami's family the answers they’ve waited too long for." He emphasized the impacts of delayed justice, noting the family’s continuing anguish; Shami’s mother passed away not knowing what happened to her son.
The investigation poses not just the appeal for information but also delves beneath the surface of Ghafoor’s associations. There seems to be evidence pointing to Ghafoor having connections with criminal elements, though Griffin clarified, "It’s believed he was not part of organized crime, but perhaps found himself involved with those who were, leading to his unfortunate fate." This perspective presents the reality of how easily individuals can get 'out of their depth', especially when mingling with questionable acquaintances.
Griffin reiterated the importance of community involvement after 30 years of pain, stating, "Shami’s family can never move on without answers. You could have information, perhaps thoughts you brushed off as insignificant, but they could be the key pieces we need." This message serves as both encouragement and reminder to those with potential knowledge of the case.
To bolster the new investigation efforts, police urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to reach out. Crimestoppers, the charity committed to anonymity for informants, is backing the campaign by offering £50,000 for information leading to arrests and convictions. This reward is open until February 22, 2025, and allows individuals to support the investigation without fear of exposure.
On the anniversary of her brother's death, Shami’s sister, Aisha Ghafoor, made passionate appeals for anyone who knows anything to come forward. She stated, "Silence is not an option, it never was and it never will be. Someone knows who murdered our brother, and it is time for those individuals to come forward and help us find the closure we desperately need." Her words encapsulate the heart-wrenching reality of living without answers for decades.
While the efforts to solve the murder continue, the impact extends beyond just the immediate family of Shami. The case has reverberated through the wider community, raising awareness about the fragility of life and the injustice of unresolved crime. Those who knew Shami and the circles he moved within have established solidarity with his family, empathizing with their long-standing quest for justice.
For community members who might feel hesitant or fearful about coming forward, Griffin reassures them, stating, "We know loyalties change over the years. Many who felt unable to speak out previously might feel differently now. This is the right time to act." He also reminded the public about the charity's safeguards of anonymity when reporting information, stressing, "When you contact Crimestoppers, your identity is protected, and there will be no consequences for coming forth with knowledge about the case."
While significant time has passed since the day of Shami Ghafoor’s murder, the police presence and community support continue to grow, as the reinvestigation seeks answers to the perplexing case of this tragic execution-style killing.
Anyone with any credible information is encouraged to reach out anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or directly to local police at 101, quoting incident number 0300 of November 15, 2024. Your tip could finally bring peace of mind to Shami's family and facilitate the closure they have been denied for far too long.
