COVENTRY, UK — A teenager has been convicted of murder after 18-year-old student Michael Ababio was chased through the streets of Coventry and stabbed to death in what prosecutors described as a revenge attack.

Ababio, a Year 13 student, was attacked near Foleshill Library on Sunday, February 22. He was taken to hospital after being stabbed three times but later died from his injuries.

The court heard that Ababio and a 19-year-old friend had been targeted following an earlier attack outside a mosque that same day. The friend was also stabbed but survived.

Four teenagers have now been convicted in connection with the attack.

A 17-year-old boy had previously pleaded guilty to murder. Two other defendants, Mahad Mohammed, 19, and Shakeel Ahmed, 18, admitted manslaughter and grievous bodily harm during their trial.

Ismail Nabeel, 18, was found guilty of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent. Nabeel had initially pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but that plea was rejected and his trial continued.

CCTV Evidence

Warwick Crown Court heard that about an hour after the earlier incident, four people riding e-bikes located Ababio and his friend at around 9:30 p.m.

CCTV footage shown to the jury appeared to capture two men carrying large knives as they pursued the pair through Coventry.

The footage became crucial evidence in Nabeel’s trial as jurors considered whether he intended to kill Ababio or cause him serious harm.

The court heard that Ababio was eventually cornered by one person riding an e-bike and another on foot. He was stabbed three times in what was described during the proceedings as a “tit for tat assault.”

He was rushed to hospital but later died.

‘More Than Just a Brother’

Following Ababio’s death, his twin brother paid tribute to him, describing Michael as “more than just a brother” and his “second half.”

He said the family was devastated by the loss and that Michael would be greatly missed.

Suspects Tried to Avoid Arrest

Following the killing, members of the group attempted to evade police, with one suspect fleeing to Pakistan in an effort to avoid arrest, the court heard.

Detective Inspector Nigel Box, who led the investigation, said Ababio’s death was a “tragic and senseless loss of life.”

He said officers had worked to identify the suspects, charge them and secure prosecutions, adding that the circumstances showed the attack had involved a significant degree of planning.

Police said the four defendants had also taken steps to avoid being arrested after the killing.

SOURCE: ITV Central News / West Midlands Police, September 17, 2026.