Four Nigerians involved in a violent phone-robbery syndicate that targeted stores across London have been sentenced to a total of 55 years in prison by the Kingston Crown Court in the United Kingdom.
According to a statement released by the UK Metropolitan Police and obtained by PUNCH Metro on Monday, the convicted men include David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole. Others sentenced for their roles in the crime ring are James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.
The police said the syndicate carried out 13 coordinated robberies between September and November 2024, targeting mainly EE stores across the country.
“The group targeted mostly EE stores, using threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms before making off with high-value mobile phones and other devices. In total, they stole items with a total value of £240,000,” the statement read.
Investigators linked the suspects to the robberies through DNA evidence, call data, and vehicle tracking records. Officers monitored the group as they prepared for additional crimes and arrested four of the men on November 19, 2024, while attempting another robbery at an EE store in Kilburn.
“Searches at addresses linked to the suspects led to the recovery of stolen devices and further evidence connecting the group to the robberies,” police added.
All 10 suspects were charged and arraigned in court, with eight pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30. They were sentenced on Friday, November 7.
The court handed down the following prison terms: “James Adodo of St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent — 10 years; David Akintola of Samuel Street, Woolwich — six years and six months; Michael Babo of Gilbert Close, Woolwich — six years and 10 months; Robert Hills of Mayfield Road, Gravesend, Kent — five years and three months; Ayomide Olaribiro of Warrior Square, Manor Park — four years and six months; Nelson Joel of St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent — three years and three months; Olabiyi Obasa of Norfolk Close, Dartford, Kent — three years and six months; and David Okewole of Vale Road, Northfleet, Kent — seven years and six months.”
Two others pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and received separate sentences.
“Laville Bloise of Goldcrest Close, Thamesmead, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years,” the statement said. “Mushtakim Miah of Artillery Place, Woolwich, was sentenced to eight years and six months’ imprisonment.”
The case adds to a growing number of convictions involving Nigerians overseas.
Last week, PUNCH Metro reported that Nigerian postgraduate student Chiemka Okoronta, living in the UK, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping a teenage girl and is expected to be deported after serving his term.
