Four Nigerians based in the United Kingdom have been sentenced to a total of 55 years’ imprisonment for their roles in a string of violent phone shop robberies across London.
According to a statement on the UK Metropolitan Police website on Monday, the convicts — identified as David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole — were part of a ten-man gang that raided several mobile phone stores between September and November 2024.
Others convicted alongside them are James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.
The police said the gang targeted mainly EE outlets, threatening staff to gain access to secure stockrooms before carting away high-value mobile phones and gadgets worth about £240,000.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were linked to the robberies through DNA evidence, call data, and vehicle records.
Detectives later monitored the group as they planned more raids and swooped in on November 19, 2024, arresting four members during an attempted robbery at an EE store in Kilburn.
Searches at their homes led to the recovery of stolen devices and other incriminating materials.
Following their arraignment, eight of the defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and were sentenced by Kingston Crown Court on Friday, November 7.
The sentences are as follows:
James Adodo (Dartford, Kent) – 10 years’ imprisonment.
David Okewole (Northfleet, Kent) – 7 years, 6 months.
Michael Babo (Woolwich) – 6 years, 10 months.
David Akintola (Woolwich) – 6 years, 6 months.
Robert Hills (Gravesend, Kent) – 5 years, 3 months.
Ayomide Olaribiro (Manor Park) – 4 years, 6 months.
Olabiyi Obasa (Dartford, Kent) – 3 years, 6 months.
Nelson Joel (Dartford, Kent) – 3 years, 3 months.
Two others who pleaded guilty to attempted robbery received lighter sentences:
Mushtakim Miah (Woolwich) – 8 years, 6 months.
Laville Bloise (Thamesmead) – 2 years’ imprisonment, suspended for 2 years.