Marcus Adepoju, 31, of Claremont Street, Edmonton, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for his involvement in a violent incident related to a mere £3.50 drugs debt. The sentence was handed down at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, April 12, following Adepoju’s conviction for multiple firearms and drug offences.
The incident in question took place in April 2023 at a residence on Nelgarde Road, Catford, Lewisham. Police were called to the scene after a masked assailant fired three shots through a window, targeting a man inside. Fortunately, the victim suffered only superficial wounds from glass shards, but the property sustained extensive damage.
A thorough investigation ensued, with detectives conducting meticulous CCTV enquiries. Footage revealed the suspect’s movements from a house on Laleham Road, Hither Green, Lewisham, to the scene of the shooting and back. Further analysis identified Marcus Adepoju as the suspect, tracing his movements to a nearby storage facility in Forest Hill.
Subsequent police action led to the discovery of two firearms, ammunition, drugs, cash, and knives at the storage units linked to Adepoju. His arrest in Chingford, Epping Forest, yielded a significant breakthrough, as he was found in possession of keys to the house on Laleham Road and the storage units.
Forensic examination of one of the seized firearms established a link between Adepoju and the shooting in Catford, as well as another incident in March 2023 involving a bullet hole found in a lorry in Forest Hill. Additionally, Adepoju’s DNA was identified on both weapons, further solidifying his involvement.
At an earlier hearing, Adepoju pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession of a firearm, money laundering, and possession with intent to supply class A drugs. He was also found guilty of attempted murder and further firearm-related offences.
Meanwhile, Francis Ajeigbe, 60, of Laleham Road, was sentenced to two years imprisonment suspended for 12 months after being found guilty of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and money laundering.
Commenting on the case, DC John Nightingale, a Trident detective from Specialist Crime, described Adepoju as an “extremely dangerous individual” and emphasized the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to keeping Londoners safe and tackling gun crime.
Adepoju’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of involvement in criminal activities, particularly those fueled by drugs and violence.
