Teenager Killed After Escaping on Bicycle Amid North London Gang Feud Fuelled by Snapchat Drama

Two drill rappers have been convicted of the murder of an 18-year-old following a gang-related dispute that escalated on social media. The incident occurred on the evening of 26 June last year when Emmanuel Popoola, 18, fatally shot Keanu Harker in the head and chest. This attack was carried out after Popoola chased Harker on a high-powered electric dirt bike, with Teyvon Etefia, also 18, riding as the accomplice in Enfield, North London.

Background of the Incident

On Monday, both Popoola and Etefia were found guilty at the Old Bailey of murder and possession of a self-loading pistol with intent to endanger life. The prosecution explained that the shooting stemmed from a dispute on Snapchat, where derogatory voice messages suggested that Popoola lacked the financial means to purchase data for his phone. Following the murder, gang members reportedly boasted about the act in subsequent drill rap videos, revealing the disturbing intersection of music and violence within their culture.

Popoola, known in the music scene by the name Constancy, and Etefia, who performs as Take Risks, were said to have pursued Harker at high speed on an electric bike. Prosecutor Louise Oakley KC detailed how the rapid acceleration of the Sur-Ron bike enabled them to close in on Harker swiftly. During the assault, Popoola fired three shots at close range, hitting Harker twice. The prosecutor noted that Etefia remained unfazed as the attack unfolded.

The Aftermath of the Shooting

Keanu Harker fell from his bicycle onto the road, suffering fatal injuries. Despite the severity of his wounds, he managed to crawl a short distance into a nearby front garden. Meanwhile, Popoola and Etefia did not stop to assist; instead, they continued their escape. Witnesses, alerted by the gunfire, discovered Harker’s bike, which was covered in blood, and traced the path leading to him, who ultimately succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

In the wake of the shooting, the two men fled, disposing of the e-bike and their clothing. Etefia discarded a machete in a neighbouring garden before they were collected by another drill rapper, Eliezer Mbaki, aged 25, known as Spider. The duo attempted to escape to France by train. Popoola successfully boarded a one-way Eurostar service to Paris with the assistance of his girlfriend, Anais King, 19, while Etefia’s journey was thwarted when police apprehended him just moments before departure.

International Manhunt and Arrests

While Popoola remained in Paris, law enforcement focused on King, who intended to join him. Authorities tracked her Eurostar booking and coordinated with French police to monitor her arrival at Gare du Nord. Following her arrival, she took a taxi to Popoola’s apartment, where he was arrested by Paris gendarmes. Popoola was subsequently extradited back to London, and King was detained on suspicion of aiding an offender.

During the trial, Popoola denied his involvement in the shooting; however, Etefia testified against him, claiming he was unaware that Popoola was carrying a firearm. After a week of deliberation, jurors also convicted Mbaki, King, and a 17-year-old youth, whose identity remains protected by law, of perverting the course of justice.

Family’s Reaction and Community Impact

In a statement following the verdict, Harker’s family expressed their enduring grief, stating: “Our son had just turned 18 when these individuals decided to take his life. We are grateful that some measure of justice has been served, but no amount of time they spend in prison will ever be enough for us. We have been left with a lifetime of pain and loss that can never be undone.” They called for greater awareness of the devastating impact of gang culture on young lives and the heartbreaking consequences for families left behind.

Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who led the investigation, described the months-long effort to compile a robust case against the perpetrators and those who assisted them. She highlighted the senseless violence that stemmed from a trivial social media exchange, labelling it as cowardly and disproportionately violent, a sentiment that has resonated throughout the community.

Sentencing for Etefia and Popoola is scheduled for Thursday and Friday at the Old Bailey, with the other defendants to be sentenced at a later date.