Arrests made in connection with 2018 shooting of Birmingham dessert shop owner

Police have arrested five men in connection with a fatal shooting in Birmingham more than two years ago – including one suspect tracked down in Scotland and another in Sweden.

The men are suspected of being involved in the murder of 24-year-old Abdul Rahman Abubaker who was shot while attending a street barbecue in Stratford Road at around 11pm on the night of 15 May 2018.

Abdul Rahman Abubaker operated a dessert shop called Bubble Rolls in Ladypool Road in Sparkhill and was well liked by customers and local people. He had graduated with a Business Masters degree at Wolverhampton University.

His tragic death devastated his family and left local people deeply shocked and saddened.

Abdul was shot in the chest around 11pm in Stratford Road but he somehow managed to walk to paramedics near Belgrave Interchange in Balsall Heath where another patient was being treated. Unfortunately, Abdul later died in hospital.

Nearly 4,000 people attended Abdul’s funeral at Green Lane Masjid.

West Midlands Police launched a murder investigation following the tragic shooting and appealed for information regarding the incident. After the passing of two years officers have made five arrests in connection with the killing.

One of the suspects, 22-year-old Abdirahman Yusuf, was brought back to the UK from Sweden on Tuesday (4 August) and has since been charged with murder.

Yusuf, who lives in Albert Road in Aston, was also charged with two counts of arson and one of perverting the course of justice. He is due to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on 16 September.

A second suspect named Mustafa Omar, aged 20, of no fixed address was arrested at a property in the Alum Rock of Birmingham area on Wednesday. He has been charged with murder and also faces further charges of arson and perverting the course of justice. He will appear at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday.

Another man, aged 25, arrested from the same Alum Rock address has been released under investigation while detectives continue the investigation.

Police also arrested a 22-year-old Nechells man on Thursday. The suspect remains in custody for questioning over the killing of Abdul Rahman Abubaker.

Officers also apprehended a 22-year-old man at an address in Glasgow on Thursday night. He has been transported to a custody unit in the West Midlands where he remains for questioning.

Superintendent Ed Foster who is leading the murder investigation, said: “Gun crime is unacceptable and we’re doing all we can to find answers for Abdul’s family and bring those responsible for his death to justice.

“An extensive investigation has been going on behind the scenes for many, many months.

“We have now reached the point where two people have been charged and more arrested.

“We made a promise to Abdul’s family to bring those responsible for his death to justice and we are still committed to that aim.”

If you have any information about this crime please contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat or ring 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Callers will not be asked for their names and calls cannot be traced.