Court hears man was arrested after detectives viewed CCTV footage

A salesman accused of involvement in the shooting of two partygoers was at first treated as a witness, the Old Bailey heard.

Patrick Ford, 36, died at the scene and 27-year-old Eugene brown died six weeks after they were gunned down at the Sugar Lounge nightclub in Forest Gate, east London, on May 29 last year.

Mr Ford’s friend Kevin Powell, 35, of Harlesden Road, Willesden, is said to have taken revenge by shooting Michael Smith who is accused of the double murder.

Jurors heard Nana Oppong, 30, is said to have pointed out the targets for Smith and then helped him flee the scene in a BMW after he was hot four times.

Three days later Oppong agreed to be interviewed by police and admitted he had carried Smith to hospital.

He said he was outside the club when he heard gunshots and tried to run to his ca but a friend pulled up and he went in his car.

They had only driven a short way when Smith jumped into the back.

Oppong said he only knew Smith ‘from around’ and at parties, adding: “I’m not the devil, I would not leave him to die.”

Two months later Oppong was arrested as a suspect after detectives viewed CCTV in which it is claimed he can be seen dancing with Smith.

Oppong denies perverting the course of justice and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Powell denies attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Smith denies two counts of murder and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Three other people face charges of perverting the course of justice.

The trial continues.