“Traumatising” is how a 23-year-old dad-of-two described being stabbed in a random attack. Now, he is calling for there to be “more opportunities” to be given to young people to prevent what happened to him.
23-year-old Akil Johnson grew up in both the Meadows and Kimberley and was stabbed on October 8 2020. This was days before Keany Kristal Kissingou-Mabiala, 20, was stabbed on October 12 2020. Akil and Keany were both attacked outside Victoria Centre in Nottingham City Centre.
Akil was left in a coma and had to have surgery due the stab wound to his chest. He was in hospital for six weeks including time in the Intensive Care Unit at the Queen’s Medical Centre. Keany was not so fortunate and died after an incident that lasted about 34 seconds. Mazin Abdelmonim, 19, was later convicted of Keany's murder.
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Akil describes himself as “outgoing and determined” and enjoys cooking. During the pandemic he delivered many food parcels with his mother to people in the Meadows. After Akil had been stabbed, he received support from the Pythian Club, a youth group in Nottingham that tackles early crime intervention in high-risk communities amongst other activities.
"I feel like there should have been more of a police presence after I had been stabbed," he said. "There was another stabbing days later which was a very similar situation to mine.
“Sometimes, the police try to criminalise people who are actually the victims. They had made out that I was in a gang but I wasn’t and I never have been.
“I want to help drive young people away from crime. A lot of young people need people like the ones who work at the Pythian Club to be out in the community.
“Communities are abandoned by the council. There needs to be more opportunities given out to young people. The police didn’t give me enough support and reassurance, knives are too accessible, young people think knives are always the answer.”
The survivor of the "horrific" violent attack in Nottingham won an award named after a murder victim, after being personally selected by his mum for his "heroic character". Akil knew Lyrico Steede, the Bulwell teenager killed by a gang in 2018.
Akil was surprised with the award - which Lyrico's mother said is meant to honour those with "heroic" character who shun violence and gang culture - on his 22nd birthday.
Akil started working with the Pythian Club through his love of boxing and sports. "The Pythian Club was giving away sports equipment and with Ben, I had started doing boxing sessions in the Meadows, I wanted to help out and do something in the community,” he said.
Benjamin Rosser is the Chief Executive of The Pythian Club. The Pythian Club supports many children from deprived areas in Nottingham providing opportunities for them with activities such as football, music, drama and more.
When Akil was asked what he would say to someone who carries a knife, he replied: “It’s not worth taking the risk and risking your freedom. The knife could easily be used on you and then your life is at risk, sometimes it’s worth just staying at home.
“I think that the government needs to open more youth centres that have music studios, there’s so many people out there that love performing arts. A lot of talent comes from poorer communities so I don’t know why they [the government] don’t invest, there’s nothing to support people’s aspirations.”
Natasha Johnson, Akil’s mother has spoken out about how her son being stabbed has not defined him. Natasha, who has described Akil as an “amazing young father” who balances being a dad and making future career plans.
Natasha said: “As a mother, you always want what’s best for your child. I’m remarkably proud of Akil and his resilience. In the face of adversity, he has proved that he still has goals and ambitions and is successful in what he is doing now. In terms of Akil moving on with his life, it’s inspiring. The city centre has constant stabbings, knife crime in the city centre is challenging and it needs to be tackled.”
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Griffin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Despite the horrific ordeal he went through, Akil has gone on to inspire other young people and help others after channelling his focus into a cooking project.
“Inspirational young people like Akil, who inspire others to make positive decisions and better life choices, deserve recognition and that’s why he was recognised by Nottinghamshire Police’s 2021 Live Our Best Life Awards programme.
“These annual awards, launched as part of the force’s Stephen Lawrence Day celebrations, aim to recognise the talents and achievements of young people across Nottinghamshire.”
ACC Griffin added: “Officers quickly responded after Akil was stabbed to his chest in the city centre on 8 October 2020. An investigation was swiftly launched and high-visibility reassurance patrols were stepped up in the area.
“Following extensive enquiries a suspect was arrested within hours of the incident and was subsequently charged.”
Malick Jones, aged 20, now of HMP Nottingham, appeared before Nottingham Crown Court on 22 April 2022, having pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, robbery and threatening a person with a bladed article.
He was sentenced to nine years in a young offenders' institution and was also handed an indefinite restraining order.
A 17-year-old boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to Akil’s stabbing and is due to stand trial later this year.
ACC Griffin added: “Although this incident happened some time ago our investigation is still very active. I’d like to reassure people that the force treats all reports of knife crime extremely seriously and is continuing to work hard all year round, alongside its partners, to keep people safe and prevent knife crime.
“We will not tolerate this kind of violence in our communities and we will always do everything in our power to support victims and bring violent offenders to justice.”
