The Metropolitan Police have announced that four Nigerians and six other accomplices involved in a violent phone robbery gang that terrorised mobile phone stores across London have been sentenced to a total of 55 years in prison
According to a statement released on Monday, the Nigerians—David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole—were key members of the organised syndicate responsible for a string of robberies targeting electronics and telecommunications shops.
The gang carried out 13 coordinated raids between September and November 2024, primarily targeting EE stores across the UK. Police said the group used threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms, stealing high-value mobile phones and other devices valued at around £240,000.
Detectives credited forensic and digital evidence for the gang’s capture. “Officers linked suspects to the crime scenes through DNA, call data, and vehicle records. Surveillance revealed the group preparing for further offences, and on November 19, 2024, four men were arrested in the act at an EE shop in Kilburn,” the statement said. Searches of addresses linked to the suspects recovered stolen items and additional evidence connecting them to the robberies.
All ten suspects were charged in court, with eight pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025. After months of trial proceedings at Kingston Crown Court, the sentences were handed down on Friday, November 7.
The Metropolitan Police detailed the prison terms as follows:
- James Adodo, 10 years
- David Akintola, six years and six months
- Michael Babo, six years and 10 months
- Robert Hills, five years and three months
- Ayomide Olaribiro, four years and six months
- Nelson Joel, three years and three months
- Olabiyi Obasa, three years and six months
- David Okewole, seven years and six months
Two others received lighter sentences for attempted robbery:
- Laville Bloise, two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years
- Mushtakim Miah, eight years and six months
The police statement highlighted that the lengthy prison terms reflect the serious and violent nature of the offences and the threat posed to businesses and the public.
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This is so shameful
Nigerians and crimes
But why? This shouldn’t have been
The government should please do better for citizens in home countries so they won’t have to japa to other nations