A Birmingham man has been jailed for 33 years after murdering a 19-year-old in a drive-by shooting.
Seeraj Ayub, 25, shot Ali Riyan on Alderson Road in Washwood Heath at around 10.15pm on October 19, 2024.
Ali was riding an e-bike at the time.
He was taken to hospital after the shooting but died from his injuries two days later.
Black Mercedes Followed Teenager
Murder detectives reviewed hours of CCTV footage following Ali’s death.
Officers identified Ayub inside a black Mercedes which was following Ali and a friend as they travelled on an e-bike shortly before the shooting.
The pair eventually stopped on Alderson Road.
The Mercedes then pulled alongside them.
Shots Fired From Passenger Window
Police said Ayub opened fire from the passenger side of the vehicle.
Ali attempted to escape, but the Mercedes followed.
Ayub then fired again and hit the teenager.
The car subsequently left the scene.
Killer Fled Country
Ayub fled the UK later that evening.
Police continued gathering evidence linking him to the shooting.
He was eventually arrested on January 28 last year when he returned to the UK aboard a ferry from Dublin.
Refused To Answer Police Questions
Ayub was interviewed by detectives following his arrest.
He refused to comment during questioning.
Despite that, investigators gathered sufficient evidence for him to be charged with Ali’s murder.
Convicted Of Murder
Ayub, of Alexander Road, Birmingham, denied the allegation but was found guilty of murder at Birmingham Crown Court in November last year.
He returned to the same court on October 16 for sentencing.
He was ordered to serve 33 years behind bars.
Police Say Family Has Secured Justice
Jenny Birch, the senior investigating officer from West Midlands Police, said detectives had worked extensively to establish what happened and identify the person responsible.
She said she hoped the conviction and sentence would bring some peace to Ali’s family.
“Our team worked tirelessly on this case,” she said.
“I am pleased we have been able to secure justice for Ali and his family.”
