A woman has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder Abraham Badru, who was shot dead just yards from his mother’s home in Dalston eight months ago.

The 18-year-old was arrested this morning and remains in custody.

Abraham, 26, was killed as he got out of his car in Ferncliff Road just after 11pm on March 15.

The football coach, who was hoping to start a PhD, had received a police bravery award for giving evidence against a gang who raped a girl on the Frampton Park Estate, south Hackney, in 2007.

His mother Ronke is convinced his death is retribution for testifying against gang rapists in court,

But cops have said today’s arrest is as “the result of a separate line of enquiry” and is not linked to the rape trial.

Det Ch Insp Noel McHugh, who is leading the murder squad’s investigation, said: “We have been piecing together the details of Abraham’s life and making good progress and that has led to this arrest today.

“However, despite the progress we are making, there are still significant gaps and we urgently need the help of Abraham’s friends and anyone else with information to come forward.

“There remain at least five potential witnesses on the street that night who have not come forward and there may be others who have information they don’t think important but could be crucial for us in filling in the picture of Abraham’s life.”

A £20,000 reward remains on offer for anyone with information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for Abraham’s murder.

“Every day, Abraham’s family have to live knowing that the person who did this is still out there,” said Det Ch Insp McHugh. “Someone knows who killed Abraham; I have said the answer lies in the community and I still believe that.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.