Brixton Academy Asake concert crush six months on: ‘What happened at Brixton Academy?’

Two people died following a crush at a London music venue six months ago, and one woman remains in a serious condition in hospital. Police and the families have made a fresh appeal for information to try to work out how the tragedy happened.

The singer Asake had been scheduled to perform at O2 Brixton Academy on December 15 in the last of three London shows.

A number of people sustained serious injuries and were treated at the scene by staff, police officers and London Ambulance Service paramedics.

Two of those who were seriously injured - 33-year-old Rebecca Ikumelo and 23-year-old Gaby Hutchinson - died in hospital in the days that followed.

A 21-year-old woman remains in hospital in a serious condition.

Rebecca Ikumelo

Six months on, Rebecca’s mother Yetunde Olodo, father Anthony Ikumelo and aunt Mary Ikumelo, speaking together, said: “This has broken us. But we are standing as one, as a family, trusting in the process of justice and trying to be the greatest support for the children that she has left behind.

“Until you go through something like this, you don’t know the importance of how the littlest thing could help. What we would say to anyone who was there, who hasn’t spoken or doesn’t want to speak, it could have been your sister, your cousin, the mother of your child, your daughter. We just ask, please come forward.

“All we want is justice for her, because her life was cut short. We are appealing to anyone with any information, who saw anything, who has any video recording, this is the time to come forward to police.”

Gaby Hutchinson

Gaby’s mother Christina Hutchinson and sister Nina Hutchinson, speaking together, said: “Mum and Dad have lost their youngest baby, and it’s not something you should ever have to do, putting your daughter to rest before you. As siblings we have lost growing old together. We have lost that because of what happened that night. It has been stolen.

“Christmas will never be the same again. And Gaby’s birthday was New Year’s Eve so we really don’t want to be celebrating New Year’s Eve anymore.

“We want to say to anyone who was there, even if they think they have a minor piece of information, something that they think is irrelevant, could they please, please contact the police. It could be that little bit that fits the puzzle and helps find some answers. It would make a difference to us as a family, because we just need answers. No one should ever go to work and not come home.”

Police investigation

Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney, senior investigating officer, said: “Six months on from this tragic incident, we remain absolutely committed to finding out what happened that night. We offer our heartfelt support to the victims’ families as they pay tribute and remember their loved ones.

“It is of the utmost importance that we work out why the surge happened, for the families of those who never returned home, and those who were injured and traumatised.

"We know there were thousands of people there and that many will have seen what happened. Footage shared on social media immediately after the incident showed dozens of people filming on their phones.

“We are grateful to everyone who has come forward so far, but we still need more information from those who were there that evening. Please do not assume we have the information or images you are in possession of. We are especially interested in video footage from that evening.

“If you were there and recorded or saw anything, please think of the families who are struggling to come to terms with their loss, and share what you saw with my team who are waiting to hear from you. We need your help to establish what happened so that we can provide answers to the families and loved ones of those who were so seriously, or fatally injured.”

How to contact the Met Police

You can get in touch with police by typing Operation Wickmar at its dedicated website.

To speak to the Operation Wickmar investigation team direct call 0207 321 9425.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Who is Asake?

Ahmed Ololade is a Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter, born in the Lagos area of the West African country.

He is known professionally as Asake, which is a tribute to his mother.

His career progressed in 2020 when he released the singles Mr Money and Lady, and in February 2022, he signed to YBNL (Yahoo Boy No Laptop) Records, which is run by Olamide.

Later that month, he released his debut EP Ololade, including the track Sungba, which was later remixed with a verse from Burna Boy.

His debut album, Mr Money With The Vibe, was released on September 8.

Following the tragedy Asake said he would pray for the victims.