Six men involved in the notorious South London WoolyO gang have been sentenced for a series of firearms-related offences, including a robbery and gang violence that spanned across London and Essex. The gang, aged between 18 and 28, was convicted of conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life or cause fear of violence. Sentences ranged from 4 years to 15 years in prison.
The investigation began after three men were lured to Aveley, Essex, under the guise of purchasing phones from the gang on the evening of November 20, 2023. Instead, they were robbed of £4,000 in cash, with one victim being struck by a gang member holding a handgun. The magazine from the weapon fell to the ground, which was later recovered by police.
The following morning, Bryan Aidoo was found at the scene, where he claimed he was cleaning his shoes. He was arrested after being found with a zombie knife. Further investigation revealed Aidoo’s mobile phone contained disturbing material, including footage of gang violence, firearms handling, and references to criminal activities.
Aidoo, along with Stephen Ayanleye, Roqeeb Ladeaga, and Gabriel Adepoju, all pleaded guilty on the first day of the trial, which began on December 2, 2023. The other two gang members, Dafe Orogun and Karan Singh, were convicted after an 8-week trial that concluded in January 2024.
Orogun, 22, of Abbey Wood, was sentenced to 15 years for conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life and pervert the course of justice. Singh, 19, of Woolwich, received a 9-year sentence for similar charges.
The WoolyO gang had a history of conflict with another London gang, which was played out through social media posts, violent videos, and drill music. Evidence recovered from the gang members’ devices also linked them to two shootings on the Cherry Orchard estate in London in October and November 2023. In one case, a victim suffered a non-fatal gunshot wound to his arm.
The gang’s actions were part of a larger pattern of violence and intimidation, which had been ongoing for months. Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police, and the Crown Prosecution Service launched a joint investigation that led to the arrest of all six gang members between December 2023 and May 2024.
Upon sentencing, Detective Inspector Yoni Adler, who led the investigation, stated: “The WoolyOs boasted about their criminal activities and came to Essex to commit further crimes. They carried firearms and filmed themselves doing so. They tried to glamourize their lifestyle, but it’s a lifestyle that has caught up with them. These convictions show that carrying guns comes with significant punishment. Guns have no place on our streets, and we will continue to investigate anyone we believe to be carrying them.”
The men who pleaded guilty on the first day of trial received the following sentences:
Bryan Aidoo, 19, of Lambeth, was jailed for 4 years for conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Roqeeb Ladeaga, 23, of Eltham, was jailed for 4.5 years for conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Stephen Ayanleye, 28, of Charlton, was jailed for 5 years for conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Gabriel Adepoju, 23, of West Norwood, received 4 years for conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
In recognition of the thorough investigation, Judge Graham issued commendations to the officers involved for their meticulous work over 18 months. These convictions are a testament to the efforts of the police to tackle gang violence and prevent further criminal activities in the region.
