By George Palmer-Soady
An investigation into the unsolved murder of a Nottingham taxi driver found shot dead 30 years ago has been reopened by police who say developments in forensic science may finally lead them to his killer.
Ethsham Ul-Haq Ghafoor, known to friends and family as Shami, was found dead in the early hours of the morning on November 22, 1994.
The 26-year-old was discovered by a milkman with his hands tied and bound to the steering wheel of his own taxi at Lambley Lane Playing Fields in Gedling. He had been shot in the head and torso.
On Friday (September 22) – the 30th anniversary of Mr Ghafoor’s death – Nottinghamshire Police and his family re-launched an appeal to anyone with information about the unsolved killing.
A reward of up to £50,000 is being offered by Crimestoppers to anyone with key information that leads to the conviction of people involved in the murder.
At the time of his death Mr Ghafoor, of Sherwood Rise in Nottingham, was expecting a baby daughter with his wife, who he also had a son with.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, his sister Aisha asked anyone with information to “end the family’s agony”.
She said: “He was the central point our of family unit.
“He was outgoing, kind, protective and he was the life and soul of the party.
“He couldn’t wait for arrival of his baby daughter. He never saw the beautiful grandchildren he brought into the world – he would have been so proud.
“We’re still living with pain and loss – inside we’re broken.
“We still remember when officers broke the news to us. Our mother never got to find out why he was killed, and now she never will.
“Shami’s youngest son was so afraid to go out after. He spent the rest of his life a recluse.
“Shami died in brutal circumstances. Silence is not an option – somewhere out there knows who murdered my brother.
“Please end our agony.”
Previous attempts by Notts Police to find answers have been unsuccessful, with the weapon used in the killing never recovered.
Arrests were made as part of past investigations but no-one has yet been convicted for the murder.
Notts Police now say there are “still viable lines of enquiry” due to advances in forensic science – which means items from the scene of the crime can be examined.
The taxi driver was last seen with three Asian man in his cab – a black and white Ford Sierra car – in Carlton Square around 2am, according to the force. His body was found two-and-a-half hours later.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Griffin launched the re-appeal with Ethsham’s family on Friday morning.
He said Mr Ghafoor was associating with people who were involved in local organised crime towards the end of his life – which he believes may have led to his ‘execution’ like death – although he does not believe Ethsham was directly involved in criminal activity.
“I think he found himself out of his depth, which may be why he was killed,” he said.
“I’m absolutely certain there are people out there who have information about this murder,” he said.
“I understand people may have felt they were previously unable to speak. If you were frightened, come forward.
“If you previously spoke to police and didn’t tell them the whole story, come forward. This family is waiting for justice.”
As well as a broader appeal to anyone who has information or may have been a witness on the night of Etsham’s death, the police are looking to speak specifically to taxi drivers, a community which Mr Ghafoor was well-known in.
Lydia Patsalides, East Midlands Regional Manager of Crimestoppers, said there is a £50,000 reward for anybody with information that leads to a conviction. The reward is available for three months and is due to expire on 22 February 2025.
Asst Chief Con Griffin added “it does feel like the net is starting close,” in regards to the force’s inquiries.
He added detectives are confident that more than one individual was responsible for Mr Ghafoor’s death.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111. The reward is only available through information passed to the organisation.
Information can also be passed to Notts Police on 101.
