An 18-year-old Afghan asylum seeker has pleaded guilty to murdering a fellow Afghan man in central London following a personal dispute, according to British police and court records.
Sulaiman Tajzai, who lived in Leeds, admitted at the Old Bailey to murdering 26-year-old Farmanullah Shirzad and possessing a bladed weapon. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 18.
Prosecutors told the court that Tajzai purchased a knife before travelling from northern England to London on March 17. Investigators said he had researched Shirzad’s home and workplace before waiting outside his residence in Westminster.
Shirzad was attacked near Westminster Abbey and suffered multiple stab wounds. He died at the scene despite emergency efforts to save him. Police described the killing as a violent and senseless attack.
Tajzai was arrested two days later at his cousin’s home in Leeds. Officers searching the property reportedly recovered several items connected to the investigation, including blood-stained trainers.
According to prosecutors, the murder followed a personal dispute involving Shirzad’s alleged relationship with Tajzai’s cousin’s wife. The court also heard that police had previously been involved in allegations concerning Shirzad, including claims of harassment and stalking.
In October 2025, police reportedly found Shirzad at the couple’s Leeds home with his hands bound. He was arrested but later said he had travelled there after being invited through Snapchat. No further action was ultimately taken against him.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley said Shirzad’s family had suffered an “unimaginable loss” following the brutal killing.
Both the victim and defendant are Afghan nationals. Authorities have not linked the case to extremism or organized crime, describing it as a homicide arising from a personal dispute.
Tajzai remains in custody pending sentencing.