A teenager who travelled from Leeds to London to carry out a premeditated fatal stabbing in Westminster has pleaded guilty to murder, the Metropolitan Police said.
Sulaiman Tajzai, 18, of Wesley Road, Leeds, entered guilty pleas to murder and possession of a bladed article at the Old Bailey on Friday, 11 September.
Tajzai is due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 18 September.
Fatal stabbing on Abbey Orchard Street
Police were called to reports of a stabbing on Abbey Orchard Street, Westminster, at around 22:15hrs on Friday, 27 March 2026. Officers attended and found 26-year-old Farmanullah Sherzad unconscious with stab wounds.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, he died at the scene around 20 minutes later.
Knife bought in Leeds, attack planned in advance
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.
Further footage captured Tajzai 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 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.
Gloves linked attacker to the scene
After the attack, Tajzai fled the scene, dropping a pair of black gloves near St James’ Park. Following forensic examination, Farmanullah’s blood was found on the gloves, while DNA recovered from inside them was linked to Tajzai.
The forensic evidence, together with the CCTV trail from the knife purchase to the attack, formed the core of the prosecution case.
Police pay tribute to victim
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with Farmanullah’s family and loved ones as they continue to come to terms with his tragic loss. While no outcome can undo the suffering caused by his death, we hope today’s conviction provides some measure of closure and reassurance that the person responsible has been brought to justice.”
He added: “This is a devastating case in which a young man lost his life after being subjected to a brutal and senseless act of violence. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in such circumstances.”
DCI Jolley continued: “I would like to commend the dedication and professionalism of the investigative team, who worked meticulously to piece together crucial CCTV, and forensic evidence to build a compelling case.”
“I am also grateful to members of the public who assisted officers during the investigation.”
Sentencing at the Old Bailey on Friday
Tajzai pleaded guilty to both charges — murder and possession of a bladed article — on Friday, 11 September, meaning the case will not go to a full trial. He will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 18 September, when a judge will determine the penalty. Murder carries a mandatory life sentence in England and Wales, with the sentencing judge setting the minimum term to be served.
What happens next
The Met said Tajzai’s guilty plea followed a detailed investigation combining CCTV evidence, forensic analysis and witness accounts. Anyone with information about knife crime in London can contact police on 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Reporting based on the Metropolitan Police.
