A man has been sentenced to life behind bars for the murder of 22-year-old Badri Issa in Moss Side last year.
22-year-old Raami Mohamed, from Manchester, was found guilty of murder following a two week trial at Manchester Crown Court, and was subsequently sentenced to to life with a minimum term of 18 years last Friday (7 June 2024).
Another man, who has been named as Kevell Blake, was also found guilty of manslaughter, and is to be sentenced at a later date.
It sentencing comes after Badri Issa met up with his friend to go to their regular gym class on Wednesday 25 October 2023, and as they travelled along Princess Road towards Manchester city centre, they noticed a white car driving next to them and trying to get their attention.
Raami Mohamed – who was driving the white vehicle – gestured for Badri’s friend, Omar Jeylaani, to pull over, and both cars turned onto Moss Lane East and parked in the bus layby.
Badri Issa, pictured on the day of his graduation / Credit: GMP (via Family Handout)
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Badri’s friend got out of the car, but was confronted by Mohamed, who appeared agitated and aggressive, and so Badri got out of the car to try and de-escalate the situation, but was stabbed in the process, and as he collapsed, the men then continued a violent assault on Badri’s friend.
The horrific events all played out in broad daylight, GMP revealed – with a number of passers-by and commuters attempting to intervene.
Once emergency services attended the scene, Badri was taken to hospital for further treatment, but sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Following Badri’s passing, GMP’s Major Incident Team launched an investigation.
After hours of looking through CCTV enquiries, police were able to build a picture of the suspect’s movements in the days and hours before the attack.
The car that Mohamed and Blake were in was soon located in a car park on Arrow Street in Manchester, and was recovered for the forensic examination, where the blood of the victim was detected near the gear stick.
#JAILED | The killer of Badri Issa has received a life sentence with a minimum term of 18 years.
Raami Mohamed was previously found guilty of murder
Paying tribute, Badri's family said he was 'a friend, a confidant, and a beacon of light'
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 7, 2024
A warrant was executed at Mohamed’s last known address, but despite him not being present, police seized evidence linking him to the white car, and leading to him being arrested on Heaton Street in Prestwich later that evening, all before another warrant was executed at the home address of Kevell Blake where police seized crucial items of clothing which were consistent with what was worn in the hours after the attack.
Telecommunications data revealed “extensive contact between the pair in the lead up to the attack”, according to GMP.
“Badri Issa was so young when he lost his life in the most tragic way,” commented Detective Chief Inspector Andy Naismith, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, following Mohamed’s sentencing last week.
“Having just graduated from university, he was on the cusp of starting a new life, a new career, and reaching new milestones, but he paid the ultimate price for trying to de-escalate a situation.
“Since day one, Badri has been at the heart of our investigation, and we have had teams of officers working around the clock to find answers for his family. I know that no outcome will ever lessen the pain his family feel, but I hope that today’s sentencing goes some way to giving his loved ones some comfort knowing that his killers are behind bars.”
Featured Image – GMP
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The NBA is coming to Manchester for just the second time ever
Danny Jones
In another major coup for Manchester, the NBA is coming to our shores for just the second time in history, having only been played in the UK on a relative handful of occasions.
This is nothing short of a massive milestone for the city.
Having last crossed the pond back in 2019, the NBA has only visited 0161 once before over a decade ago at the old AO Arena, and there’s only been a total of 19 transatlantic meetings up until now.
As if that wasn’t exciting enough, being confirmed as part of the NBA’s new European slate, Manchester is also set to be one of the first venues in the UK to ever host a regular-season game.
JUST ANNOUNCED: @NBA The NBA, Co-op Live and @ManchesterCityCouncil have today announced that the NBA will bring a regular-season game to Manchester for the first time ever in 2027, a monumental moment for the city, the venue, and UK sport. Read more here: https://t.co/6hR5g8XsxXpic.twitter.com/PRCCqb2Zaw
NBA Europe have managed to secure a three-year programme of matches that will feature as part of the league’s normal competitive season.
Kicking off next year and running until 2028 at the very least, the current deal will see the much-loved sport watched worldwide first land on the continent for a pair of games next year in Berlin and London, before heading to Paris and our very own Manchester in 2027.
Florida’s Orlando Magic and Tennessee’s Memphis Grizzlies have already been announced for the first two games, although Manchester’s match-up is yet to be confirmed at this early stage.
With Basketball England being officially headquartered within the wider Etihad Campus, there was no question that the Manchester NBA fixture was going to be held at Co-op Live.
As well as being not just the biggest indoor entertainment venue of its kind in England but all of Europe, the arena has also recently welcomed the likes of the UFC, WWE and multiple boxing matches, proving it can serve as the perfect host for premier live sporting action on a global scale.
Speaking in the wake of the seismic news, the Leader of Manchester City Council and representative for Burnage, Bev Craig, could only echo how big a deal this is for the region.
“Manchester once again has shown what a magnificent draw it is for major events, and we are thrilled to welcome the NBA back to our city”, she said. “This city is known for big names, big games and a reputation for showcasing world-class events on the biggest stage possible.
“With a growing basketball scene in Manchester, this event feels like the perfect fit and will give so many people in our city the chance to see what the best athletes in the sport can do on our home turf.
“When it comes to delivering world-class events, we know that Manchester is now firmly on the map. Now, working with our partners, we want to continue driving investment towards our city, creating new jobs, increasing growth and providing new opportunities and experiences for all of our residents.”
Once again, the exact date, timings and teams set to play at the Co-op are still yet to be decided, but having also sealed the BRIT Awards ceremony for 2026, it’s set to be a truly momentous couple of years for the arena and the city as a whole.
Viral beauty retailer Sephora announces Manchester Arndale opening day plans
Thomas Melia
Viral beauty stockist Sephora has announced the schedule ahead of new Manchester Arndale site’s opening day.
Known for stocking some of the world’s biggest beauty brands, including Sol De Janeiro Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, Fenty, Huda Beauty, and more, Sephora is making its Manchester Arndale debut this week, and opening day plans have been confirmed.
After opening its first Manchester site inside the Trafford Centre last year, the cosmetics retailer is now really making its mark on Manchester city centre.
Ahead of its new launch inside one of Manchester’s biggest shopping centres, with a almost 5,000 sq ft site inside the Arndale, Sephora is expected to attract huge queues, so the retailer has issued a statement detailing its plans ahead of the opening day.
Sephora has announced plans ahead of its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
The opening day is this Friday (1 August) from 10am, and from this date, you’ll be able to get your hands on all their glorious goodies and brands.
If you’re eager to be one of the first people to browse this beauty shop and its massive product range, you’ll be able to queue beforehand – with entertainment on the day from 8am, and the opening ceremony from 9:30am.
Similarly to the brand’s Trafford Centre launch, there will be a range of activities, including an appearance from Drag King Don One, DJ sets, Spin the Wheel, and Sephora’s iconic viral gift bags.
These gift bags have become highly-sought-after due to the sheer amount of big names and top quality products you can find inside, and there’ll be 800 of these prized possessions given away throughout the weekend.
This time, however, the cosmetics retailer is trialling a new approach, with anyone who makes an in-store purchase receiving a ‘Sephora Beauty Bonus Card’ which gives you access to goodies and offers without queuing.
You’ll be in with the chance of winning a goodie bag, a mystery lucky dip for a full-sized product, Benefit Wax and Tint Brow Service, 30-minute makeover opportunity, exclusive merchandise, and a 10% off code for the Manchester Arndale Sephora shop.
The viral beauty brand Sephora will be giving away 800 goodie bag at its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
Sephora will be stocking more than 135 brands, as well as a curation of products that are exclusive to its UK locations.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Sephora UK, commented: “We’ve been blown away by the energy and support from our community at every store opening since our first in 2023.
“This new approach means even more customers can enjoy the fun and walk away with a surprise without needing to arrive hours before doors open. It’s about putting customer wellbeing first, while still celebrating in true Sephora style”.
Sephora is opening at Manchester Arndale on Friday 1 August, with entertainment starting from 8am, the official opening ceremony commencing from 9:30am, and the store opening at 10am.
Emily Sergeant -
10th June 2024 
