Ambush Murder Of Security Guard Sends Bowie Man To Prison

BOWIE, MD — Desmond Mbah, 27, of Bowie, was sentenced to life in prison for the ambush and murder of Riyadh Al Janabi as he sat in his car working as a security guard.

In handing down the sentence March 15, the judge called Mbah’s crime, “calculated and deliberate” and said from the bench that the sentence was just and fair based on the nature of the crime, according to a news release from Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy.

In February 2021, Mbah went to an apartment complex in Riverdale, where Al Janabi was on duty as a security guard. Mbah ambushed Al Janabi and shot into the car where he was seated, hitting Al Janabi twice in the face and killing him.

Mbah then fled with the victim’s vehicle. When police arrived, they found Al Janabi wounded and laying on the pavement. He was pronounced dead a short time later at the hospital.

“This was a very disturbing crime,” Braveboy said. “I am certain Mr. Al Janabi expected to return home after his shift, but that didn’t happen because Mr. Mbah heartlessly decided to take his life for no reason. In light of that, I believe this sentence is most appropriate and I want to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Daniel Kim for fighting to ensure justice was secured for this victim and his family.”

Mbah was sentenced to life for first-degree murder, 25 years for armed carjacking and 20 years for use of a firearm in a crime of violence.