A group of Nigerians involved in a series of phone-robbery incidents across London has been handed lengthy prison terms, with four of the ringleaders receiving a combined sentence of 55 years, following a trial at Kingston Crown Court.
The convicted men include David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole. Additional members of the syndicate are James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.
Authorities reported that between September and November 2024, the group executed 13 coordinated robberies at various UK stores, primarily targeting EE outlets. Using threats of violence, they forced store staff to grant access to secure stockrooms, making off with high-value mobile phones and electronic devices. The total value of the stolen items was estimated at £240,000.
Law enforcement successfully linked the suspects to the crimes using DNA evidence, call data, and vehicle records.
On November 19, 2024, officers arrested four of the men during a robbery in progress at an EE shop in Kilburn. Subsequent searches of the suspects’ residences recovered stolen items and additional evidence connecting them to the crimes.
A total of ten individuals were charged. Eight of them pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, and were sentenced on November 7. Their prison terms are as follows:
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James Adodo (St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent) – 10 years
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David Akintola (Samuel Street, Woolwich) – 6 years 6 months
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Michael Babo (Gilbert Close, Woolwich) – 6 years 10 months
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Robert Hills (Mayfield Road, Gravesend, Kent) – 5 years 3 months
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Ayomide Olaribiro (Warrior Square, Manor Park) – 4 years 6 months
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Nelson Joel (St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent) – 3 years 3 months
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Olabiyi Obasa (Norfolk Close, Dartford, Kent) – 3 years 6 months
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David Okewole (Vale Road, Northfleet, Kent) – 7 years 6 months
Two others pleaded guilty to attempted robbery:
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Laville Bloise (Goldcrest Close, Thamesmead) – 2 years, suspended for 2 years
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Mushtakim Miah (Artillery Place, Woolwich) – 8 years 6 months
The case highlights growing concerns over organized criminal activity in the UK and comes amid reports of increasing convictions of Nigerians abroad for similar offences.