A teenager who travelled from Leeds to London to carry out a premeditated fatal stabbing in Westminster has been jailed for life, the Metropolitan Police said.
Sulaiman Tajzai, 18, of Wesley Road, Leeds, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 18 September, where a judge ordered him to serve a minimum of 25 years before he can be considered for release. Tajzai had pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a bladed article on 11 September.
The sentencing brings to a close the case against the man who murdered 26-year-old Farmanullah Sherzad on 27 March 2026, a killing detectives described as a violent and senseless attack that left a family heartbroken.
Fatal stabbing on Abbey Orchard Street
Police were called to Abbey Orchard Street, Westminster, at around 22:15hrs on 27 March after Farmanullah Sherzad was found with stab wounds by a member of the public. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the 26-year-old died around 20 minutes later.
Officers established through CCTV enquiries that Tajzai had purchased a knife from a corner shop in Leeds before travelling to London by train on the same day. Footage captured him waiting outside Farmanullah’s address as he arrived home from work at around 22:15hrs. Upon seeing Tajzai, Farmanullah attempted to flee. Tajzai chased him onto Abbey Orchard Street, where he fatally stabbed him.
CCTV and DNA sealed the case
After the attack, Tajzai fled the scene, dropping a pair of black gloves near St James’ Park. Forensic examination found Farmanullah’s blood on the outside of the gloves, while DNA recovered from inside them was linked to Tajzai.
CCTV footage also revealed that Tajzai had travelled to London in the weeks before the attack to scope out Farmanullah’s home address and where he worked — evidence that underscored the premeditated nature of the killing. Tajzai was previously convicted on his own guilty plea earlier this month.
“A cruel and senseless” attack
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with Farmanullah’s family and loved ones, who continue to face the unimaginable consequences of his death. While nothing can ever undo their pain and suffering, we hope this outcome provides them with some measure of justice.”
He added: “My team worked meticulously to piece together crucial CCTV, and forensic evidence to build a compelling case, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this violent and senseless attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of a young man’s life.”
DCI Jolley said the Met would continue to work tirelessly to ensure the most violent offenders are apprehended and put before the courts.
Family’s devastation
In a statement issued through the Met, Farmanullah’s family said they were “utterly devastated and heartbroken by the sudden and horrific murder of Farmanullah”, adding that his life was taken in the most cruel and senseless circumstances, leaving a void that can never be filled.
“Farmanullah was a kind, gentle and free-spirited man. He was someone who would not hurt a fly. He lived his life peacefully, treated others with respect and sought only to live in harmony with those around him,” the family said.
“It is almost impossible for us to comprehend that someone so harmless and kind has been taken from us in such a violent and tragic way. We sincerely hope that the authorities and the justice system will do everything within their power to ensure that those who pose a danger to others are appropriately dealt with, rehabilitated where possible, and prevented from causing further devastation to other innocent families.”
Tajzai will now begin serving his life sentence, with his minimum tariff meaning he cannot apply for parole until at least 2051.
