Police search Nottingham property for ammunition in 1994 taxi driver murder case
A specialist police team is searching a property in Sneinton for ammunition linked to the murder of Nottingham taxi driver Ethsham Ul-Haq Ghafoor 30 years ago.
Officers carried out a warrant at the address on the morning of Thursday 30 January. Intelligence suggests evidence connected to the case may be inside. Police have confirmed that no one currently living at the property is linked to the murder.
Mr Ghafoor, known as Shami, was 26 when he was found shot dead in his taxi on 22 November 1994. His body was discovered by a milkman at 4.30am at Lambley Lane Playing Fields in Gedling. His hands were tied to the steering wheel, and police described the killing as an execution.
Crimestoppers continues to offer a reward of up to £50,000 for information that leads to a conviction. The charity is independent of the police, and any information must be given directly to them to qualify for the reward.
In recent months, several arrests have been made as part of the ongoing investigation. On 27 November, police detained four men, aged 64, 57, 52, and 51, along with a 47-year-old woman, on suspicion of murder. They were later released on bail pending further inquiries. A further arrest was made on 17 December, when a 43-year-old man from Sneinton was also taken into custody before being released on bail.
Detectives continue to follow new lines of inquiry, including forensic opportunities at the crime scene. The search in Sneinton remains part of ongoing efforts to secure further evidence in the case.
Detective Chief Inspector Clare Dean, who is leading the investigation, said: “Following our media appeal for information, we are following a number of lines of inquiry. The weapon used to kill Shami was never recovered in 1994.
“However, we are following a number of leads around the ammunition used to take his life and therefore have carried out a warrant at an address in the Sneinton area.
“Unfortunately, we can’t go into lots of detail in order to protect the integrity of the investigation but we are looking for ammunition.
“The public can expect to see an increased presence in the area for some time while a thorough search of the property is conducted including the roof space.
“It is incredibly important to stress that the occupants of this property are not involved in our investigation and we apologise for any inconvenience our search may cause.
“Shami’s family have been updated on our investigation so far. They have been waiting 30 years for answers and we are determined to ensure that happens.
“We have always said the key to this investigation lies within the community and it is never too late to come forward with information.
“You may not have been in a position to say anything 30 years ago but with the passage of time we hope you can say something now.
"Crimestoppers is still offering an up to £50,000 reward as an extra incentive. This is a huge reward for information that leads to conviction.
“Information to Crimestoppers can be submitted completely anonymously.
“The reward is due to expire on 22 February.”
