Four Nigerians and six other accomplices involved in a series of violent mobile phone store robberies across London have been sentenced to a combined 55 years in prison, the Metropolitan Police announced.
The Nigerians—David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole—were key members of the organised gang targeting electronics and telecommunications shops between September and November 2024.
The gang carried out 13 coordinated robberies, primarily focusing on EE stores, using threats of violence to force staff to open secure stockrooms. Stolen devices were valued at approximately £240,000.
Police said forensic and digital evidence, including DNA, call data, and vehicle records, linked the suspects to multiple crime scenes. On November 19, 2024, officers arrested four members during an attempted robbery at an EE shop in Kilburn.
Searches of addresses connected to the suspects led to the recovery of stolen devices and further evidence linking the group to the crimes.
All ten suspects were charged in court, with eight pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025. They were sentenced on November 7 after trial proceedings at Kingston Crown Court.
Sentences for the main offenders include: 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; and David Okewole, 7 years 6 months.
Two others received lesser sentences: Laville Bloise was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Mushtakim Miah was sentenced to 8 years 6 months.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that investigations and enforcement efforts were key in dismantling the syndicate, highlighting the use of modern forensic and surveillance methods to bring offenders to justice.