Four Nigerians have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms in the United Kingdom for their roles in a violent phone robbery syndicate that targeted mobile phone stores across London.
They were convicted alongside six accomplices and handed a combined sentence of 55 years by Kingston Crown Court, following a months-long investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
According to a statement issued by the Met Police on Monday, the Nigerians — David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole — were key members of the organised gang that carried out 13 coordinated robberies between September and November 2024.
Other members of the group include James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.
The police said the gang primarily targeted EE stores, using threats of violence to compel staff to open secure stockrooms before fleeing with high-value mobile phones and devices worth about £240,000.
“Officers were able to link suspects to the scenes of the crimes through DNA evidence, call data, and vehicle records. The group was observed preparing for further offences, leading to their arrest on November 19, 2024, at an EE shop in Kilburn,” the statement read.
Searches at properties connected to the suspects also uncovered stolen devices and additional evidence linking them to the series of robberies.
Eight members of the gang pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025, and were sentenced on Friday, November 7, after months of trial proceedings.
Sentences as announced by the police:
James Adodo (St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent) — 10 years’ imprisonment
David Akintola (Samuel Street, Woolwich) — 6 years, 6 months
Michael Babo (Gilbert Close, Woolwich) — 6 years, 10 months
Robert Hills (Mayfield Road, Gravesend, Kent) — 5 years, 3 months
Ayomide Olaribiro (Warrior Square, Manor Park) — 4 years, 6 months
Nelson Joel (St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent) — 3 years, 3 months
Olabiyi Obasa (Norfolk Close, Dartford, Kent) — 3 years, 6 months
David Okewole (Vale Road, Northfleet, Kent) — 7 years, 6 months
Two other members received lesser penalties after admitting to attempted robbery:
Laville Bloise (Goldcrest Close, Thamesmead) — 2 years’ imprisonment, suspended for 2 years
Mushtakim Miah (Artillery Place, Woolwich) — 8 years, 6 months
The Metropolitan Police said the convictions and sentences send a strong message against organised retail crime in London.