LONDON, UK — Four UK-based Nigerians and six other men have been sentenced to a combined 55 years in prison for their roles in an organised phone-robbery syndicate that targeted retail stores across London.
The sentences were handed down by Kingston Crown Court following an investigation by the UK Metropolitan Police, according to an official police statement.
The Nigerians convicted in the case are David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole. Other members of the gang include James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.
Police said the group carried out 13 robbery attacks between September and November 2024, mainly targeting EE mobile phone stores. During the raids, staff were threatened and forced to open secure stock rooms, allowing the gang to steal high-value phones and electronic devices worth approximately £240,000.
Investigators linked the suspects to the robberies through DNA evidence, phone records, and vehicle data. Officers later placed the group under surveillance and arrested four of the men on 19 November 2024 while they were preparing to commit another robbery at an EE store in Kilburn.
Searches of addresses connected to the suspects led to the recovery of stolen devices and additional evidence.
Ten men were charged in connection with the operation. Eight pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob on 30 January and were sentenced on 7 November.
Sentences included:
James Adodo — 10 years
David Okewole — 7 years, 6 months
Michael Babo — 6 years, 10 months
David Akintola — 6 years, 6 months
Robert Hills — 5 years, 3 months
Ayomide Olaribiro — 4 years, 6 months
Olabiyi Obasa — 3 years, 6 months
Nelson Joel — 3 years, 3 months
Two other defendants pleaded guilty to attempted robbery. Laville Bloise received a two-year suspended sentence, while Mushtakim Miah was sentenced to eight years and six months in prison.
The case adds to a growing number of reports involving Nigerians abroad convicted of serious criminal offences, drawing renewed attention to international crime and sentencing trends.
