A rapper has been linked to a drive-by shooting in London through DNA evidence, despite claims that he had left the UK and was in Dubai at the time, a court has heard.
The Old Bailey was told that artist Kamal Benjamin, also known as Wesson, had allegedly been in a stolen Audi used in the attempted murder of Daniel Offei-Ntow, 27, in Notting Hill on 20 November 2023. His close friend, rapper Nathan Tokosi, known by his stage name Digdat, is currently on trial for the attack.
Prosecutor Kate Bex KC told jurors that Tokosi, 25, was among at least two people inside the stolen Audi when it pulled up alongside Offei-Ntow’s Mitsubishi in the early hours of the morning. Shots were fired from a rear passenger window, striking Offei-Ntow in the head, mouth, and body. “He was lucky not to die,” Ms Bex stated.
DNA evidence and Dubai alibi
The court heard that forensic teams later recovered DNA allegedly belonging to both Benjamin and Tokosi from inside the Audi, which was found abandoned shortly after the shooting. Officers also discovered a latex glove and a black bag containing a firearm and three rounds of ammunition near the scene.
However, the defence has pointed to evidence suggesting that Benjamin had already left the UK by the time of the attack. Social media posts from Benjamin’s Instagram account appeared to show him in Dubai in the days leading up to the shooting, including a video of US rapper Lil Durk performing in the city on 16 November.
In December, a month after the shooting, Benjamin was pictured in a Dubai nightclub alongside rap superstar 50 Cent, who had performed there on 21 December 2023.
Ms Bex told the court: “It is clear from messages exchanged between Mr Tokosi and Mr Benjamin that they are very close indeed.” She said police had recovered communications between the two on both Snapchat and Instagram, suggesting an ongoing relationship.
Investigation and arrests
Prosecutors said police had already been investigating Benjamin for unrelated offences at the time of the shooting. On 3 November 2023, he was arrested at Victoria train station for drug possession and later released under investigation. Due to his previous criminal record, his licence was revoked, and he was recalled to prison. However, by the time authorities issued the recall, he had already left the UK.
Despite the Dubai alibi, Ms Bex argued that either Benjamin had not left the country as claimed, or his DNA had been transferred into the Audi by someone with whom he had been in close contact.
Police also examined Tokosi’s movements leading up to the shooting. The prosecution alleges that Tokosi had borrowed a BMW and made two separate trips from his father’s home in Deptford, south London, to Notting Hill on consecutive nights just before the incident.
Ms Bex stated: “There is no innocent explanation for the BMW and the Audi being in the same west London location on those nights.”
Jurors were told that Tokosi’s DNA was found on a headrest inside the Audi, further linking him to the crime scene.
Messages and connections
The prosecution also highlighted social media exchanges between the two rappers. On 6 November 2023, two weeks before the shooting, Tokosi sent Benjamin a Snapchat message showing them sitting in a luxury car, believed to be a Lamborghini, with the caption “My N****” followed by a heart emoji.
Ms Bex told jurors that this was further proof of their close friendship, which prosecutors argue ties Benjamin to the crime.
Charges and trial
Tokosi, from Deptford, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and possession of a self-loading pistol and ammunition on 20 November 2023. He has also denied further charges relating to possessing a prohibited firearm and ammunition at the time of his arrest on 16 February 2024.
