Rapper Sentenced for Drive-By Shooting in Notting Hill
A rapper has been sentenced to a minimum of 24 years in prison following a drive-by shooting incident that left a man severely injured in Notting Hill, west London. Nathan Tokosi, whose stage name is DigDat, was found guilty of attempted murder after firing six shots at 27-year-old Daniel Offei-Ntow on 20 November 2023.
The Attack
During the attack, Offei-Ntow sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his head, mouth, and body while seated in his vehicle. Remarkably, he managed to escape the scene, dragging himself back to his flat, where he was later discovered by firearms officers who followed a blood trail. Prosecutor Kate Bex KC outlined that Tokosi was one of several individuals in a stolen Audi when the shooting occurred.
Tokosi’s DNA was found in the stolen vehicle, and police linked him to a BMW that he had borrowed to travel from his father’s home in Deptford to Notting Hill around the same time. The prosecution argued that there was no plausible explanation for the two cars being in the same vicinity.
Background on the Accused
At 26 years old, Tokosi gained attention in the music industry with his single “Air Force,” which peaked at number 20 on the UK charts in 2018. However, his criminal history is extensive, with eight prior convictions. His past includes an attempted murder conviction from the age of 13 for a stabbing incident, as well as more recent offences involving firearms.
In a separate incident just before his arrest for the shooting, Tokosi was involved in an episode where he discarded a bag containing a loaded firearm while fleeing from police. A subsequent police raid on his home uncovered another loaded weapon weeks later.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Following trials held in March and November 2025, Tokosi was convicted of multiple charges, including attempted murder and firearms offences. During the sentencing at the Old Bailey, Helen Shaw of the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the premeditated nature of the attack, stating that Tokosi aimed to kill Offei-Ntow by shooting him at close range. CCTV footage indicated that he had been driving in the area leading up to the incident.
The defence presented Tokosi as a young man with ADHD who had become entangled in the pressures of a rapid rise to fame. His barrister, Shannon Revel, described him as “laidback,” suggesting that his swift ascent in the music industry left little room for introspection.
Public Reactions
As Tokosi was led away to begin his long sentence, emotions ran high in the courtroom, with family members expressing visible distress. Reports indicate that he made a gesture resembling a phone call to his relatives as he departed.
Background
This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in urban areas in the UK, particularly in relation to the influence of a high-profile lifestyle on young individuals. With rising concerns about the impact of gang culture and firearms on communities, Tokosi’s conviction serves as a significant example of the potential consequences of such an environment.
Source: Original Article
