Rapper Nathan Tokosi, better known by his stage name DigDat, has been handed a life sentence for his involvement in a Notting Hill drive-by shooting that left a fellow musician severely injured. The 26-year-old from Deptford, south-east London, will serve a minimum of 24 years behind bars after being convicted of attempted murder and multiple firearms offences following two separate trials last year.
Violent Attack on Rival Artist
On the morning of November 20, 2023, Tokosi fired at least six shots from a stolen Audi into a vehicle driven by Daniel Offei-Ntow, a 27-year-old artist who performs under the name Lugavelz. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his head, mouth and body, with prosecutors stating he was "lucky not to die" from the attack. Although Offei-Ntow has since passed away, the court was informed his death was unrelated to the shooting incident.
Musical Success and Criminal Descent
Tokosi had experienced significant musical success prior to his conviction, most notably with his 2018 single "Air Force" which peaked at number 20 on the UK singles chart. The artist had collaborated with prominent rappers including Aitch and Headie One, performing at major events such as the Wireless Festival. However, the court heard how the defendant had become embroiled in what his defence described as the "fast-paced and chaotic lifestyle" accompanying his career.
Pattern of Violence and Previous Convictions
The sentencing revealed a disturbing history of violent behaviour dating back to Tokosi's childhood. He has accumulated eight previous convictions for thirteen offences, beginning with assaults committed at just eleven years old. At thirteen, Tokosi was convicted of attempted murder after stabbing a victim in the ribcage during an altercation, resulting in a seven-year youth detention sentence followed by three years on extended licence.
Courtroom Sentencing and Emotional Response
During sentencing at the Old Bailey, Judge Sarah Munro KC stated she had "no doubt that he was a dangerous offender." Weeping could be heard from the public gallery as the life sentence was delivered, with Tokosi making a "phone" gesture to family members present in court. Defence barrister Shannon Revel argued that her client's rapid rise to fame had left him with "no real time for reflection" as his profession "effectively became an existence."
Police Investigation and Evidence
The Metropolitan Police investigation uncovered compelling evidence linking Tokosi to the shooting. CCTV footage showed the defendant conducting multiple reconnaissance drives around the Notting Hill area in the stolen Audi during the days and hours preceding the attack. Police dogs recovered a latex glove and black bag containing a firearm with three rounds of ammunition near where the Audi was abandoned.
Further investigation revealed Tokosi had borrowed a BMW to make two consecutive night-time journeys from his father's Deptford home to Notting Hill on the weekend of the shooting. Prosecutors argued there was "no innocent explanation" for both vehicles being present in the same west London location. DNA evidence belonging to Tokosi and another artist, Kamal Benjamin (known as Wesson), was found in the Audi used in the shooting, though social media evidence placed Benjamin in Dubai at the time of the incident.
Prosecution and Police Statements
Helen Shaw from the Crown Prosecution Service described the incident as "an utterly mindless attack which very nearly claimed a life," adding that Tokosi had "clearly intended to kill his victim by shooting him in the head at close range." Detective Inspector Chris Shepherd from the Central South Borough Command Unit stated: "Tokosi's actions were premeditated, reckless and malicious. He lied at trial, maintaining that he had no involvement whatsoever in the shooting."
The detective inspector continued: "The committed police investigation to bring Tokosi before the courts reflects our no-tolerance approach to gang violence on London's streets. I would like to credit the investigation team for their work bringing Tokosi to justice, as well as the officers and medical staff who treated the victim after the shooting."
Additional Convictions and Legal Proceedings
During his initial trial in February 2023, Tokosi was convicted of possessing a self-loading pistol and ammunition with intent to endanger life, along with possessing a prohibited firearm and ammunition. A subsequent Old Bailey trial in November resulted in further convictions for possessing a firearm and ammunition on February 4, 2024.
The prosecution expressed hope that the life sentence would provide "some closure to the victim's family" while emphasising their determination to ensure Tokosi was prosecuted for "the full extent of his offending." The case highlights ongoing concerns about gang-related violence in London and the intersection between musical careers and criminal activity.
