An 18-year-old UK-based Nigerian drill rapper, Emmanuel Popoola, has been found guilty of murder following a bitter social media dispute that escalated into a fatal shooting.
Popoola, who performs under the stage name “Constancy,” was convicted alongside his co-defendant, 18-year-old Tayvon Etefia (“Take Risks”), at the Old Bailey. The conviction follows a six-week trial regarding the death of 18-year-old Keanu Harker in Enfield, North London.
Social media arguments lead to drive-by shootings
According to prosecutors, the deadly confrontation stemmed from an ongoing rivalry between two local Enfield gangs, the “3×3 gang” and the “Get Money Gang” (GMG).
The tension reached a boiling point on Snapchat when voice messages were exchanged mocking Popoola, implying he could not afford mobile data for his phone.
In retaliation, Popoola armed himself with a self-loading pistol. Riding pillion on a high-powered electric dirt bike operated by Etefia, the duo tracked down Harker, who was on a bicycle.
Popoola opened fire at close range, striking Harker in the head and chest. The victim crawled to a residential garden where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
High-stakes international escape thwarted
Following the execution, the teenagers dumped their getaway bike, ditched their weapons, and attempted to flee the United Kingdom.
The Metropolitan Police launched a swift digital forensics investigation that intercepted Etefia at London St Pancras station—just two minutes before his Eurostar train was scheduled to depart for France.
Popoola successfully crossed the English Channel to Paris but was later tracked down by French authorities and extradited back to the UK.
Sentenced to life imprisonment
A jury at the Old Bailey found both teenagers guilty of murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Following the trial, both Popoola and Etefia were sentenced to life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of 28 years before becoming eligible for parole.
Three other individuals, including Popoola’s girlfriend, were also convicted for their roles in trying to help the killers evade justice.
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