A 23-year-old man has been arrested at Sydney International Airport and charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Alai Ahio, 28, earlier this year. The arrest, made Saturday night by detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, concluded a significant phase of the investigation into the May 19 ambush.
Ahio was at a home on Arbutus Street in Canley Heights, southwest Sydney, with four other men when the group was allegedly attacked by at least two individuals armed with guns and knives. The assailants reportedly fled the scene in a white SUV. Ahio and another man sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to Liverpool Hospital. Ahio died from his injuries shortly after arrival, while the other man was treated for a neck injury and survived. Three other men, aged 19, 22, and 23, also presented to hospitals with various injuries.
Police established a crime scene and initiated an investigation, which was subsequently taken over by Strike Force Valko. Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested the 23-year-old suspect at the airport. During a search of a property on Church Street in Moorebank, officers allegedly seized electronic devices and 10 grams of cocaine.
The accused appeared in court on Sunday and was refused bail. He is scheduled to reappear in Parramatta Local Court on September 17. The charges against him include murder and two counts of possession of an unauthorised pistol.
Ahio, also known as Urcher, was identified in court documents from 2021 as an associate of the Mount Druitt-based rap group OneFour. He was also a former promising rugby league player. Light heavyweight boxer Paul Aokuso had recently paid tribute to Ahio, referring to him as a good person.
At the time of the shooting, authorities were investigating potential links to the Alameddine crime family and Sydney's underworld. Superintendent Craig Middleton stated that the attack was believed to be targeted, though the motive remained unclear, and acknowledged organized crime links. He described the incident as a brazen and violent attack of concern to the community and police.
Investigations under Strike Force Valko are ongoing. No further arrests have been made in relation to the shooting. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.