Four men have received over 70 years in prison between them after attempting to rob and then stabbing a man.

In 2022, Emmanuel Nkrumah-Buansi, Jacob Afolabi and Habib Kanu planned to rob people using information supplied by Lee Garrard.

At around 7.15pm on April 2, 2022, Emmanuel and Jacob arranged to meet a man, 22, near Mallard Close in Dartford.

They approached him as he was sitting in his car and, as they tried to rob him, Emmanuel stabbed the victim.

They fled and the victim died at the scene, despite receiving medical attention, after having suffered wounds to his back and his left hand.

The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate investigated the crime and both men were identified and arrested.

Police also proved Emmanuel, Jacob, along with Habib, had taken part in an earlier robbery in Dartford on March 25.

The Crown Prosecution Service later authorised a charge of murder against Emmanuel and Jacob.

They were also charged with conspiracy to rob and causing grievous bodily harm with intent, along with Habib and Lee.

At Woolwich Crown Court, Emmanuel, of Mayplace Road East, Bexleyheath and Jacob, of Joyce Green Lane, Dartford both denied murder.

On January 20, 2023, a jury found them both guilty of manslaughter.

All four men were convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Habib, of Buckland Hill, Maidstone and Jacob were also convicted of conspiracy to rob.

Emmanuel and Lee, of Laburnum Avenue, Dartford had pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy charge at an earlier hearing.

All four men were sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, June 5.

The judge jailed 39-year-old Emmanuel for 21 years.

When he is released, he will be subject to an extended licence period of five years. 

Jacob, 27, received 21 years' imprisonment and when he is released he will be subject to an extended licence period of three years. 

Both Emmanuel and Jacob will have to serve 14 years before being eligible for parole.

Habib,  34, was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment.

When he is released he will be subject to an extended licence period of three years. 

Lee, 31, received 11 years and eight months' imprisonment.

Habib is required to serve nine years and four months and Lee almost eight years before they are eligible for parole.

Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Kathleen Way of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “These four men have shown no remorse for their actions and involvement in these violent incidents.

“They were motivated by greed and had no hesitation in arming themselves with weapons in order to inflict serious injury to ensure they were successful.
“Their plan only ended when one young man senselessly lost his life.

“This was a brazen attack which happened in a small community, which caused considerable fear and anxiety.

“I’m pleased the jury has found them guilty of their crimes and that they have been sentenced accordingly.”