Rapper DigDat Receives Life Sentence for Notting Hill Drive-By Shooting
Rapper DigDat, whose real name is Nathan Tokosi, has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 24 years for his involvement in a drive-by shooting that almost killed a man in Notting Hill. The 26-year-old from Deptford, southeast London, was convicted of attempted murder and multiple firearms offences following two trials at the Old Bailey last year.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The incident occurred on November 20, 2023, when Tokosi was one of at least two individuals in a stolen Audi that pulled up alongside Daniel Offei-Ntow's Mitsubishi Outlander. Prosecutor Kate Bex KC informed the court that at least six shots were fired from a rear passenger window, striking Mr Offei-Ntow in the head, mouth, and body. The victim, a rival artist performing under the name Lugavelz, has since passed away, although the court clarified that his death was unrelated to the shooting and involved no third party.
Armed police responded swiftly to the scene, discovering the victim's vehicle riddled with bullet holes and the interior covered in blood. Officers followed a trail of blood to Mr Offei-Ntow's flat, where they found him sitting on a sofa in a state of shock and with severe injuries.
Investigation and Evidence
Police dogs recovered a latex glove and a black bag containing a firearm and three rounds of ammunition near where the Audi was abandoned. Further investigations revealed that Tokosi had borrowed a BMW to make two trips from his father's home in Deptford to Notting Hill on consecutive nights that weekend. Ms Bex emphasised that there was no innocent explanation for the presence of both the BMW and the Audi in the same west London location, clearly implicating Tokosi in the shooting.
DNA evidence belonging to Tokosi and another artist, Kamal Benjamin (also known as Wesson), was found in the Audi used in the shooting. However, additional evidence, including Mr Benjamin's Instagram posts from Dubai, confirmed he had left the UK days before the incident. His social media activity showed videos and photos with artists like Lil Durk and 50 Cent, who performed in Dubai around that time.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
In his first trial last February, Tokosi was convicted of attempted murder, possessing a self-loading pistol and ammunition with intent to endanger life, and possessing a prohibited firearm and ammunition. A second trial in November resulted in further convictions for possessing a firearm and ammunition on February 4, 2024.
Sentencing at the Old Bailey, Judge Sarah Munro KC stated she had no doubt that Tokosi was a dangerous offender. The court heard that Tokosi has eight previous convictions for 13 offences, including violent acts dating back to age 11. At 13, he was convicted of attempted murder for stabbing someone in the ribcage, resulting in seven years' youth detention and three years on extended licence.
Mitigation and Personal Background
In mitigation, defence lawyer Shannon Revel described Tokosi as a laidback young man who became entangled in the success of his music career and its fast-paced, chaotic lifestyle. She explained that his role as a rapper evolved into an all-consuming existence, leaving little time for reflection. Tokosi, who was diagnosed with ADHD at age 11, struggled with behavioural issues at school.
Tokosi, known for his single Air Force which peaked at number 20 on the UK singles chart in 2018, was supported by his family in court. As he was sentenced, he made a phone gesture to the public gallery, where weeping could be heard.
