Four Nigerians and six other accomplices involved in a violent phone robbery gang that targeted mobile phone stores across London have been sentenced to a combined total of 55 years in prison, the Metropolitan Police announced.
The Nigerians—David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole—were identified as key members of the organised gang responsible for 13 coordinated raids between September and November 2024, mostly hitting EE stores across the UK. The gang used threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms, making off with high-value mobile phones and other electronics worth around £240,000.
Police said the syndicate’s downfall came after forensic and digital evidence linked them to multiple crime scenes. “Officers were able to connect suspects to the crimes using DNA, call data, and vehicle records. Surveillance caught the group preparing for further offences, and on November 19, 2024, four men were arrested during a robbery at an EE shop in Kilburn,” the Metropolitan Police said. Searches of addresses tied to the suspects recovered stolen items and additional evidence.
All ten suspects were charged, with eight pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025. After months of trial proceedings at Kingston Crown Court, they were sentenced on Friday, November 7.
The sentences were 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, convicted of attempted robbery, received lighter sentences:
- Laville Bloise, two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years
- Mushtakim Miah, eight years and six months
The Metropolitan Police said the sentences reflect the violent nature of the crimes and the significant threat the gang posed to businesses and the public.
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