Four Nigerians have been jailed in the United Kingdom for their roles in a violent phone-robbery syndicate that raided mobile stores across London, stealing devices worth £240,000.
According to a statement from the UK Metropolitan Police, the gang — including David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole — was part of a 10-member group that carried out 13 robberies between September and November 2024, mainly targeting EE stores.
Police linked the suspects to the crimes through DNA, phone records, and vehicle tracking. They were arrested during a failed robbery in Kilburn, where stolen phones and other evidence were later recovered.
Eight of the men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and were sentenced by Kingston Crown Court to a total of 55 years in prison.
James Adodo – 10 years
David Akintola – 6 years, 6 months
Michael Babo – 6 years, 10 months
Robert Hills – 5 years, 3 months
Ayomide Olaribiro – 4 years, 6 months
Nelson Joel – 3 years, 3 months
Olabiyi Obasa – 3 years, 6 months
David Okewole – 7 years, 6 months
Two others, Laville Bloise and Mushtakim Miah, were convicted of attempted robbery; Miah received eight and a half years, while Bloise got a two-year suspended sentence.
The convictions add to growing concerns over rising criminal cases involving Nigerians living abroad.
