Four Nigerian nationals and six others have been sentenced to a combined 55 years in prison for their roles in a violent robbery spree targeting mobile phone stores across London and other parts of the United Kingdom.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the convicts — identified as David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole — were part of an organised gang that carried out a series of raids on electronics and telecommunications shops, primarily EE outlets.
Other members of the syndicate include James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.
Between September and November 2024, the group executed 13 coordinated robberies, using threats of violence to force staff to open secure stockrooms before fleeing with high-value devices. Police said the gang stole items worth an estimated £240,000.
Detectives said the gang’s downfall followed months of investigation involving forensic and digital evidence, including DNA samples, call data, and vehicle tracking. The suspects were eventually arrested on November 19, 2024, after officers intercepted them during an attempted robbery at an EE shop in Kilburn.
Subsequent searches at properties linked to the suspects led to the recovery of stolen goods and further evidence tying them to multiple crime scenes.
All ten suspects were charged and appeared in court, where eight pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025. Sentencing took place on Friday, November 7, following extended legal proceedings.
According to the police statement, James Adodo, of St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent, received 10 years’ imprisonment, while David Akintola, of Samuel Street, Woolwich, was sentenced to six years and six months.
