Four Nigerians, others bag 55-year jail term in UK over robbery, phone theft

Four Nigerians have been sentenced to long prison terms in the United Kingdom for their involvement in a violent phone robbery gang that targeted mobile phone shops across London.

They were convicted along with six other members of the group and received a total of 55 years in prison after a ruling by the Kingston Crown Court.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the convictions in a statement released on its official website on Monday.

According to the police report, the Nigerians identified as David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole were key members of the organised gang that targeted electronics and telecommunications shops across the city. Other members of the network include James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.

Investigators revealed that between September and November 2024, the gang executed 13 coordinated robberies, mostly at EE stores across the UK.

“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.

Detectives said the syndicate’s downfall came after forensic and digital evidence tied them to several crime scenes. “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.

“Searches at addresses linked to the suspects led to the recovery of stolen devices and further evidence connecting the group to the robberies,” the statement added.

Following their arrests, all 10 suspects were charged in court, with eight pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025. They were sentenced on Friday, November 7, after months of trial proceedings.

The police detailed the individual sentences as follows:

“James Adodo of St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. David Akintola of Samuel Street, Woolwich, was sentenced to six years and six months’ imprisonment.

“Michael Babo of Gilbert Close, Woolwich, was sentenced to six years and 10 months’ imprisonment. Robert Hills of Mayfield Road, Gravesend, Kent, was sentenced to five years and three months’ imprisonment.

“Ayomide Olaribiro of Warrior Square, Manor Park, was sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment. Nelson Joel of St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent, was sentenced to three years and three months’ imprisonment.

“Olabiyi Obasa of Norfolk Close, Dartford, Kent, was sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment. David Okewole of Vale Road, Northfleet, Kent, was sentenced to seven years and six months’ imprisonment.”

Two other members faced lesser sentences after admitting to attempted robbery.

“Laville Bloise of Goldcrest Close, Thamesmead, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

“Mushtakim Miah of Artillery Place, Woolwich, was sentenced to eight years and six months’ imprisonment,” the police concluded.

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