Five arrested nearly 30 years on from Nottingham taxi driver murder
Updated: 6 days ago
Detectives have arrested five people on suspicion of murdering a Nottingham taxi driver in 1994, nearly three decades after the crime shocked the local community.
Ethsham Ul-Haq Ghafoor, 26, known as Shami to his friends and family, was found dead in his cab on 22 November 1994. His body was discovered by a milkman in the early hours at Lambley Lane Playing Fields, Gedling. Shami’s hands were bound to the steering wheel, and he had been fatally shot in what police have described as an “execution”.
Shami, a resident of Sherwood Rise, was killed just months before the birth of his daughter. A recent push for justice, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the murder, has brought renewed hope for answers. A team of detectives has been re-examining the case, supported by Crimestoppers, which has offered a £50,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
On Wednesday morning, police arrested four men aged 64, 57, 52, and 51, and a woman aged 47, in connection with the case. The arrests took place in the Sneinton and Bakersfield area of Nottingham, where a heightened police presence remains as the investigation progresses.
At a press conference held on 22 November, Shami’s family, Crimestoppers, and police appealed to the public for further information. Shami was remembered as an outgoing and kind individual whose death left a lasting void in the lives of his loved ones.
The investigation continues, with detectives urging anyone with information to come forward.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Griffin said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the community and the media for sharing our appeal for information.
“This was a dreadful crime that has left Shami’s family waiting 30 years for answers.
“Following our appeal, we have received numerous calls from the public.
“I would like to personally thank them for their support.
“Please continue to share our appeal and contact us with any information you may have.
“We know that the answer to Shami’s murder lies within the community, and we would encourage anyone with information, no matter how small, to please continue to get in touch with our officers or through Crimestoppers.
“Crimestoppers is offering up to £50,000 for any information which leads to a conviction.”
