A London rapper known as Nathan Tokosi, or DigDat, has been found guilty of attempted murder following a shocking drive-by shooting that left his victim severely injured in Notting Hill. The incident took place on November 20, 2023, resulting in serious injuries for 27-year-old Daniel Offei-Ntow.
The Old Bailey jury reached a unanimous verdict—finding 25-year-old Tokosi guilty of the severe offense. Prosecutor Kate Bex KC presented that at least six shots were fired from a stolen Audi while it was parked next to Offei-Ntow's Mitsubishi Outlander, striking him in the head, mouth, and body. In a dramatic courtroom atmosphere, sobbing reverberated from the public gallery as Tokosi displayed no visible reaction to the verdict.
Tokosi, who had gained fame with his single "Air Force," which peaked at number 20 on the UK singles chart, was apprehended after a series of investigations connecting him to the shooting. The police managed to track down the Audi used in the crime, understanding that it had been abandoned shortly after the incident. In their search, they discovered a black bag containing a firearm and three rounds of ammunition.
Detective Constable Hannah Forrest, with the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime South team, highlighted the brutality of the attack, stating, "This was a savage attack, with the victim requiring emergency surgery after being shot in the body, mouth, and head. The verdict in this case shows that this violent criminality will not be tolerated on London’s streets." Further underscoring Tokosi’s dangerous nature, she reiterated that he had only recently been released from prison after serving time for a separate offense.
The shooting occurred around 2:05 am, and the immediate chaos still lingers in the streets of Notting Hill. Following the attack, Offei-Ntow returned to his home, where he was later found by authorities, clearly shaken and seriously injured. Key evidence in the case included the victim's vehicle, which was discovered riddled with bullet holes and covered in blood. The prosecution painted a vivid picture of the horrifying scene, detailing how officers arrived promptly, following trails of blood that led to Offei-Ntow's flat.
Amid the twisted evidence, forensic investigations revealed that DNA belonging to both Tokosi and fellow artist Kamal Benjamin, also known as Wesson, was found in the Audi. Although Mr. Benjamin’s DNA was linked to the vehicle, it appeared he had left the UK days prior to the incident, reportedly residing in Dubai at the time of the shooting.
As the trial progressed, Tokosi’s backstory came into focus, revealing that he had borrowed a BMW to traverse from his father’s home in Deptford to Notting Hill on the nights leading up to the shooting. These trips became a pivotal part of the investigation, as the jury was informed there was no "innocent explanation" for the connection of the BMW and the Audi in the same area during such critical times.
The court was cautioned about the risks posed by Tokosi, as he awaits his sentencing on charges that could mean a lengthy prison term. In a statement provided during the trial, prosecutor Bex concluded with a chilling remark about the life of the victim, noting, "He was lucky not to die." This statement strikes a major chord in a society increasingly rattled by gun violence.
As the trial concluded, emotions ran high among those present. Sprinkled within the walls of the judicial establishment were both supporters and critics of Tokosi, many reflective of how such criminal acts fracture communities and thrust the challenging narratives of violence in the hip-hop industry to the fore.
As a final note, Detective Constable Forrest emphasized the work of the investigation team, expressing her admiration for their diligent efforts, stating, "I would like to pay tribute to the investigation team in this case, who were able to build a compelling forensic case against Tokosi. This proved indispensable at trial." The seriousness of this case reverberates beyond the courtroom, highlighting the ongoing battle against violent crime in the UK and how it permeates various aspects of societal lives, particularly among the youth driven by the allure of celebrity culture, music, and fame.
