Four Nigerians have been sentenced to a combined 55 years in prison by a Kingston Crown Court in the United Kingdom for their roles in a violent phone-robbery syndicate that targeted multiple stores across London.
The UK Metropolitan Police disclosed the convictions in a statement released on Monday, revealing that the group carried out 13 coordinated robberies between September and November 2024.
The convicts — David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole — were among ten men arrested and charged for the crimes. Others convicted include James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.
According to the statement, the gang mainly targeted EE mobile stores, using threats of violence to compel staff to open secure stockrooms before fleeing with high-value smartphones and electronic devices worth over £240,000.
“Officers were able to link suspects to the scenes of the crimes through DNA evidence, as well as call data and vehicle records. They observed the group as they prepared for further offences, and on November 19, 2024, officers moved in to arrest four of the men in the act at an EE shop in Kilburn,” the police said.
Subsequent searches at various addresses led to the recovery of stolen items and further incriminating evidence.
Eight members of the syndicate pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30 and were sentenced on Friday, November 7.
Their individual sentences are as follows:
- James Adodo – 10 years
- David Akintola – 6 years, 6 months
- Michael Babo – 6 years, 10 months
- Robert Hills – 5 years, 3 months
- Ayomide Olaribiro – 4 years, 6 months
- Nelson Joel – 3 years, 3 months
- Olabiyi Obasa – 3 years, 6 months
- David Okewole – 7 years, 6 months
Two others convicted of attempted robbery also received separate sentences:
- Laville Bloise – 2 years (suspended for two years)
- Mushtakim Miah – 8 years, 6 months
The case adds to a growing list of Nigerians abroad facing prosecution for criminal activities.
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