Kemani Duggan, the 23-year-old drill rapper and son of Mark Duggan, who was fatally shot by police 13 years ago, has been sentenced to five years in prison for possessing a firearm.
Duggan, known by his stage name “Bandokay,” pleaded guilty to having a Tokarev pistol and 22 rounds of ammunition with the intent to instill fear of violence. His associate, Abdou Bojang, 22, from Hackney, also received a five-year prison sentence after admitting to possessing a prohibited firearm and ammunition without the necessary certification.
The two men, linked to a gang in north London, were sentenced at the Old Bailey. The court was informed that the police raided Bojang’s family home in Hackney on March 21, 2023, uncovering the firearm and ammunition hidden in a JD Sports bag inside a communal underground parking area. The bag also contained two large knives. Duggan’s DNA was found on the pistol, leading to his arrest at Gatwick Airport in January.
Investigators also discovered a photo on Duggan’s phone showing the same firearm and ammunition. Prior to the weapon’s discovery, Bojang had messaged Duggan, expressing concerns about a police presence in his area and the possibility of being arrested.
Prosecutor Diana Wilson explained that Duggan, from Islington, was a prominent figure in the drill music scene, associated with the Old Farm Boys (OFB) gang based in Tottenham’s Broadwater Farm Estate. Wilson stated that Duggan was not only a senior member of the gang but also a well-known drill artist. His notoriety, combined with his connection to the infamous Mark Duggan, made him a prime target for violence from rival gangs.
Duggan’s late father, Mark Duggan, was shot by police in 2011, a death later ruled as lawful. His tragic passing became a flashpoint, leading to widespread riots in London and other cities across the UK. Wilson noted that Duggan’s fame as a drill artist heightened his vulnerability to gang-related violence.
Duggan’s defense lawyer, Gregory Fishwick, argued that his client had been given the firearm for protection due to his high-profile status. Duggan had claimed that he carried the weapon solely to defend himself and deter potential attackers.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Philip Katz KC acknowledged the legitimate concerns for Duggan’s safety, recognizing his high profile both as a drill rapper and the son of a man killed by police. He noted that these factors contributed to the fear of violence that led Duggan to carry the gun.
Duggan’s supporters in the public gallery waved as the two men were led away from the dock.
Mark Duggan’s death, which occurred when Kemani was only 11 years old, continues to be a significant event in British history. The shooting, which occurred after police intercepted a minicab Duggan was traveling in, sparked widespread unrest and protests that lasted for several days across multiple cities.
