A Kingston Crown Court in the United Kingdom has sentenced ten men, including four UK-based Nigerians, to a combined prison term of 55 years for a series of violent phone robberies that terrorised stores across London.
According to a statement obtained from the UK Metropolitan Police website, the convicts are David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, David Okewole, James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise. The syndicate was found guilty of carrying out 13 coordinated robberies between September and November 2024.
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The statement detailed that, “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.”
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The criminals were apprehended following a meticulous police investigation. “Officers were able to link suspects to the scenes of the crimes through DNA evidence, as well as call data and vehicle records. They observed the group as they prepared for further offences, and on November 19, 2024, officers moved in to arrest four of the men in the act at an EE shop in Kilburn,”* the police report continued. Searches of their properties led to the recovery of stolen devices and further incriminating evidence.
Of the ten suspects arrested, eight pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30 and were sentenced on Friday, November 7. The sentences handed down were:
-James Adodo: 10 years’ imprisonment.
-David Okewole: 7 years and 6 months’ imprisonment.
-Michael Babo: 6 years and 10 months’ imprisonment.
-David Akintola: 6 years and 6 months’ imprisonment.
-Robert Hills: 5 years and 3 months’ imprisonment.
-Ayomide Olaribiro: 4 years and 6 months’ imprisonment.
-Olabiyi Obasa: 3 years and 6 months’ imprisonment.
-Nelson Joel: 3 years and 3 months’ imprisonment.
Two other defendants, Laville Bloise and Mushtakim Miah, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and received a suspended sentence and eight years, six months imprisonment, respectively. This case highlights the ongoing issue of international criminal networks and the robust legal response from UK authorities.
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