BIRMINGHAM CROWN COURT JAILS SEERAJ AYUB FOR MURDER OF ALI RIYAN

Birmingham Crown Court sentenced Seeraj Ayub to 33 years in prison on 16 October for murdering Ali Riyan. Ayub shot Riyan on Alderson Road in Washwood Heath, Birmingham, at about 10.15pm on 19 October 2024. Riyan was riding an e-bike with a companion when a black Mercedes pulled up alongside them. Ayub fired through the car’s passenger window. Riyan died in hospital two days later.

Detectives reviewed hours of CCTV footage and identified the Mercedes following Riyan and his companion shortly before the shooting. Riyan tried to escape after Ayub fired the first shot. The car pursued the riders, and Ayub fired again, striking Riyan. Ayub left the country later that evening. Police arrested him on 28 January 2025 when he returned to the UK by ferry from Dublin.

Ayub, of Alexander Road, Birmingham, gave no comment during police questioning. He faced a murder charge after his arrest. Birmingham Crown Court convicted him in November 2025. West Midlands Police senior investigating officer Jenny Birch said: “I hope this verdict brings some peace to his family.” Birch added: “I am pleased we have been able to secure justice for Ali and his family.”