The drill rapper Kemani Duggan, son of Mark Duggan, who was shot dead by police 13 years ago, has been sentenced to five years in prison for firearm possession. Known by his stage name Bandokay, the 23-year-old admitted to possessing a Tokarev pistol and 22 bulleted cartridges with the intent to cause fear of violence. This significant legal development marks a troubling chapter for the young artist’s life and career.
Abdou Bojang, 22, hailing from Hackney, north London, also faced serious legal consequences. He pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition without proper certification. Consequently, Bojang was handed a five-year jail term. The two men, linked to a notorious north London gang, were sentenced earlier at the Old Bailey, underscoring the gravity of their offenses and their connection to organized crime in the area.
Details of the Police Raid
Kemani Duggan, the son of Mark Duggan, is a high ranking gang member’ His DNA was traced on a automatic pistol https://t.co/mSTvXR7RsH pic.twitter.com/DUZWR4CEdM
— CourtNewsUK (@CourtNewsUK) July 2, 2024
The court heard that police raided Bojang’s parents’ flat in Hackney on 21 March last year. The firearm and ammunition were discovered in a JD Sports bag, along with two foot-long knives, in the communal underground car park. Duggan’s DNA was found on the gun slide, leading to his arrest at Gatwick airport on 13 January.
On Kemani Duggan’s phone, police discovered a Snapchat photo depicting the same gun along with 23 rounds of ammunition. This incriminating evidence linked him directly to the firearm. Just before the police raid, Abdou Bojang had sent Duggan a message, warning him about the heavy police presence in his block and suggesting that he might be arrested imminently. This message highlighted the urgency and the awareness of the impending police action.
Gang Association and Personal Risk
OFB Rapper Bandokay, also know as Kemani Kane Duggan, is allegedly facing up to 13 years after being charged with possession of a firearm 🫣 pic.twitter.com/lVZxwZDT2w
— TMC Music Connoisseur 🇯🇲 WATCH S2TIMES 🤩 (@MusicConnoisseu) January 15, 2024
Prosecutor Diana Wilson described Duggan as a well-known drill artist linked to the Old Farm Boys (OFB) gang based on the Broadwater Farm Estate in Tottenham. She highlighted that Duggan’s senior position within the gang and his status as a successful drill artist, compounded by being Mark Duggan’s son, made him a heightened target for violence from rival gang members.
Prosecutor also stated that due to Kemani Duggan’s fame and background, he has become a significant target for gang-related violence. This increased risk stems from his high-profile status as a drill artist and the legacy of his father’s death. Duggan accepted that he possessed the firearm and ammunition for self-protection, claiming he intended only to “scare any prospective aggressor away.” He emphasized that his actions were driven by a genuine fear for his safety.
Impact of Father’s Death and Mitigation
Defense attorney Gregory Fishwick noted that Duggan expressed the long-term effects of losing his father in his lyrics. Despite growing up in an environment where he was often seen merely as “his father’s son,” Duggan tried to move past that legacy and be a “proper father” to his own son.
Judge Diana Wilson acknowledged Kemani Duggan’s high profile, which stems not only from his successful career as a drill rapper but also from his tragic family history. This combination of public visibility and personal tragedy has undeniably shaped his life and public perception. As the sentencing concluded, the defendants waved to their supporters in the public gallery, a poignant moment as they were led away to begin their prison terms.
Historical Context and Family Legacy
Duggan was 11 when his father, Mark Duggan, was shot dead in Tottenham, north London, in August 2011. Armed officers had intercepted the minicab Mark Duggan was traveling in based on intelligence suggesting he was carrying a gun. A pistol was later found about seven meters away from the minicab.
The shooting of Mark Duggan by an officer known only as V53 sparked widespread riots in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, and other English cities for nearly a week. The event marked a significant moment in recent British history, with ongoing debates about police conduct and community relations.
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