A UK-based Ghanaian drill rapper, identified as 21-year-old Daniel Boakye, remains at large after escaping police custody twice in the span of a single week, prompting an intensive manhunt by British authorities. Boakye, who performs music under the stage name DSAVV, has become a high-profile fugitive following a series of dramatic security breaches while he was in custody for serious criminal offences.
Boakye’s repeated escapes began during a hospital visit on Sunday, February 15, 2026, when he fled from custody at University Hospital in Lewisham, south-east London, where he was receiving medical treatment under police supervision. The Metropolitan Police launched an immediate search after he absconded and was unable to recapture him, despite officers giving chase.
This incident came just days after his first escape earlier that week from West Middlesex University Hospital, where he had also been held under guard. After that initial escape, Boakye was recaptured by police at an address in south-east London, but he subsequently evaded custody again a short time later, exposing significant security shortcomings in the handling of high-risk detainees.
Boakye, a native of Enfield, north London, was serving a sentence of six years and five months imposed in July 2023 after being convicted of involvement in a series of armed knifepoint robberies throughout London. During these offences, he and accomplices reportedly threatened victims with knives to obtain mobile phones and passcodes, which were then used to withdraw funds or commit fraud via cryptocurrency wallets and online purchases.
Court records indicate that the group’s criminal activities took place between June 2021 and January 2022, leading to Boakye’s conviction at Wood Green Crown Court. The stolen property in the case included more than £115,000 worth of cryptocurrency, which was obtained using victims’ banking information and devices.
In addition to his music career, Boakye is understood to have connections to the UK drill scene and alleged gang affiliations, which authorities believe may have influenced his lifestyle and criminal behaviour. His escape has drawn criticism from law enforcement and the British Home Office, which has publicly stated that deportation efforts to Ghana where he is a national are still actively being pursued.
Following the second escape, police also detained several individuals on suspicion of aiding an offender; however, these suspects were later released on bail pending further investigation. The Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of Professional Standards is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the escapes to establish how the security breaches occurred and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Boakye’s bold behaviour has extended to social media, where a video circulating online reportedly shows him taunting police and performing a rap in front of a screen displaying news coverage of his escape. In this clip, Boakye boasts about breaking out of custody and appears to revel in his temporary freedom while referencing cultural elements like characters from the crime drama Top Boy.
The Metropolitan Police have issued descriptions of Boakye and appealed to the public for information, noting that he is a Black male of medium height and slim build, last seen wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a dark Nike jacket. Authorities have urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact police or the independent charity Crimestoppers, which allows reports to be made anonymously.
Boakye’s repeated escapes have raised serious questions about the security protocols in place when transporting and supervising inmates outside prison environments, particularly those with violent criminal histories. Law enforcement officials have faced scrutiny over how he was allowed to abscond on two separate occasions, especially given his status as an offender scheduled for deportation.
The case not only highlights ongoing challenges in prisoner security but also draws attention to broader discussions about deportation policies for foreign national offenders in the UK. Government representatives have reiterated their commitment to preventing foreign criminals from exploiting legal loopholes and have stated reforms are underway to strengthen deportation systems and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents.
As of now, Daniel Boakye remains at large and is considered a priority search target for the Metropolitan Police. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and to provide any credible information to assist in his arrest.