£50,000 Reward Offered for Leads in 1994 Nottinghamshire Taxi Driver Murder Case

A significant reward of £50,000 has been offered by Crimestoppers in the hopes of solving the brutal 1994 murder of a taxi driver in Nottinghamshire. The case, which remains unsolved for 30 years, has gained renewed attention as police reinvestigate.

Details of the Taxi Driver’s Murder

Ethsham Ul-Haq Ghafoor, 26, affectionately known as Shami, was a father and a hardworking taxi driver. On the night of November 22, 1994, he was shot dead in his taxi in what police have described as an execution.

He was discovered by a milkman at 4:30 AM in the Lambley Lane Playing Fields in Gedling. His hands were tied and bound to the steering wheel of his black and white Ford Sierra.

Shami’s murder left a devastating impact on his family. He was already a father to a five-year-old son, and his daughter was born just five months after his death.

Renewed Investigation and Appeal

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Griffin described the crime as "a dreadful murder of a young man, a soon-to-be dad, executed in a secluded area." He emphasized the devastating impact on Shami’s family, who have been waiting three decades for justice.

"Shami’s mum died without answers, and his daughter grew up without a father," Griffin noted. "We urge the community to come forward, as loyalties may have shifted over the years."

Police have also revealed that Shami was last seen at 2:40 AM in Carlton Square with three Asian men. The location where his body was found was not a typical spot for taxi services, raising questions about the events leading to his death.

Crimestoppers' Support and Forensic Advancements

Crimestoppers, an independent charity, is supporting the investigation by offering a reward for information that leads to a conviction. Lydia Patsalides, the East Midlands regional manager, called the case "shocking and very sad," urging anyone hesitant to approach the police to contact the charity instead.

Advancements in forensic science have opened new avenues in the case. Items recovered from the crime scene are being re-examined, providing detectives with what they describe as "new opportunities."

Community's Role and Call for Justice

Detectives believe the key to solving the murder lies within the community. Griffin expressed hope that individuals who were unable to speak out at the time might feel compelled to come forward now.

“Even the smallest detail could be the breakthrough we need,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of community support in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The £50,000 reward will remain available until February 22, 2025, and individuals can share information anonymously.

A Tragic Loss Remembered

The murder of a dedicated taxi driver like Shami continues to haunt Nottinghamshire. As the police and charity work together to find those responsible, Shami's story underscores the enduring pain caused by unsolved crimes. The appeal for justice remains a poignant reminder of the need for community collaboration.