Four Nigerians have been sentenced alongside six others to a combined 55 years imprisonment by the Kingston Crown Court in the United Kingdom for their roles in a violent phone robbery gang that terrorised several parts of London.
The UK Metropolitan Police disclosed this in a statement published on its website on Monday, detailing the coordinated operation that led to the gang’s arrest and conviction.
The Nigerians were identified as David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole. Others convicted include James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.
According to the police, the gang carried out 13 armed robberies between September and November 2024, targeting high-value mobile phones and electronic devices from retail outlets across London and surrounding areas.
“The group primarily targeted EE stores, using intimidation and threats of violence to compel staff to open secure stockrooms before escaping with high-end mobile phones and other gadgets. In total, they stole items worth approximately £240,000,” the statement read.
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Investigations revealed that the suspects were linked to the crimes through DNA samples, call records, and vehicle tracking data.
Police surveillance units monitored the gang’s operations and, on November 19, 2024, arrested four members while attempting another robbery at an EE store in Kilburn.
Further searches at several addresses connected to the suspects led to the recovery of stolen goods and evidence linking them to earlier robberies.
All ten suspects were charged to court, with eight pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025, before being sentenced on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Below is a breakdown of their sentences:
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.
Laville Bloise, Goldcrest Close, Thamesmead — 2 years imprisonment, suspended for two years (attempted robbery).
Mushtakim Miah, Artillery Place, Woolwich — 8 years, 6 months (attempted robbery).
The Metropolitan Police commended the investigating officers for their diligence, noting that the successful convictions have dismantled a violent criminal network responsible for a series of commercial robberies across London.