Four Nigerians have been sentenced to long prison terms in the United Kingdom for their involvement in a violent robbery gang that targeted mobile phone stores across London.
The group, convicted alongside six other accomplices, received a combined sentence of 55 years after being found guilty at Kingston Crown Court.
According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police on Monday, the convicted Nigerians — David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole — were part of an organised crime network that terrorised electronics and telecommunications shops in several parts of the UK.
Other gang members include James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.
Investigators revealed that between September and November 2024, the gang carried out 13 coordinated robberies, mostly targeting EE stores, where they used violence and intimidation to force staff to open stockrooms before escaping with high-value mobile phones and electronic devices worth about £240,000.
“The group targeted mostly EE stores, using threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms before making off with high-value mobile phones and other devices. In total, they stole items with a total value of £240,000,” the police statement said.
Detectives linked the suspects to multiple crime scenes through DNA evidence, mobile phone records, and vehicle tracking data. Their arrests came on November 19, 2024, when officers caught four members attempting another robbery at an EE store in Kilburn.
Subsequent searches of their homes uncovered stolen phones and additional evidence tying them to the series of robberies.
After months of investigation and trial, eight suspects pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025, and were sentenced on Friday, November 7.
The court handed down the following sentences: James Adodo, Dartford, Kent – 10 years’ imprisonment, David Akintola, Woolwich – 6 years and 6 months, Michael Babo, Woolwich – 6 years and 10 months, Robert Hills, Gravesend, Kent – 5 years and 3 months, Ayomide Olaribiro, Manor Park – 4 years and 6 months, Nelson Joel, Dartford, Kent – 3 years and 3 months, Olabiyi Obasa, Dartford, Kent – 3 years and 6 months, David Okewole, Northfleet, Kent – 7 years and 6 months
Two others received lesser penalties after admitting to attempted robbery: Laville Bloise, Thamesmead – 2 years’ imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, Mushtakim Miah, Woolwich – 8 years and 6 months’ imprisonment.
The Metropolitan Police commended the investigative team for their swift and coordinated work, noting that the sentences should “serve as a deterrent to violent organised crime.”
