Emmanuel Popoola

Emmanuel Popoola, an 18-year-old, has been convicted of the murder of Keanu Harker in Enfield, North London. The killing, which occurred on June 26, 2025, stemmed from a dispute over comments made in a Snapchat group chat, implying Popoola could not afford mobile data, and was linked to rivalry between two Enfield gangs, the 3x3 gang and the Get Money Gang (GMG).

Key facts and legal proceedings:

• Incident Date: June 26, 2025.
• Victim: Keanu Harker, 18, who was shot in the head and chest while riding his bicycle.
• Perpetrators: Emmanuel Popoola, who fired the gun, and Tayvon Etefia, who drove the electric dirt bike during the drive-by shooting. Both were 17 at the time of the incident and are now 18.
• Motive: A Snapchat argument where Popoola was mocked for allegedly not being able to afford mobile data, escalating an existing gang rivalry.
• Escape Attempt: Following the shooting, Popoola fled to France via Eurostar with the help of his girlfriend, Anais King. He was arrested in Paris on August 3, 2025, and extradited to the UK on August 14, 2025. Etefia was arrested on a train attempting to flee.
• Charges: Emmanuel Popoola and Tayvon Etefia were found guilty of murder and possessing a self-loading pistol with intent to endanger life.
• Accomplices: Eliezer Mbaki, Anais King, and a 17-year-old boy (unnamed for legal reasons) were convicted of assisting an offender or perverting the course of justice for their roles in helping the killers.
• Trial and Conviction: After a six-week trial at the Old Bailey, Popoola and Etefia were found guilty on Monday, July 6, 2026.
• Sentencing: Popoola and Etefia were sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 28 years on July 10, 2026. Mbaki was jailed for four years and nine months for perverting the course of justice. Sentencing for the other accomplices was scheduled for later dates.