Four Nigerians, along with six other accomplices, have been sentenced to a combined 55 years in prison for their involvement in a violent phone robbery syndicate that targeted mobile phone outlets across London.
The convictions were handed down by Kingston Crown Court, confirmed in a statement by the Metropolitan Police.
The Nigerian suspects David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole were identified as key members of the organized gang, which also included James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.
Between September and November 2024, the gang carried out 13 coordinated robberies, primarily at EE stores. Officers said the suspects used threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms, stealing mobile phones and other high-value devices totaling £240,000.
The syndicate was tracked through forensic and digital evidence, including DNA, call data, and vehicle records. Police arrested four men during a robbery on November 19, 2024, at an EE shop in Kilburn. Subsequent searches recovered stolen devices and additional evidence linking the group to multiple crimes.
All ten suspects were charged, with eight pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025. Sentences were handed down on November 7 after months of trial proceedings.
Individual Sentences:
James Adodo (Dartford, Kent) – 10 years
David Akintola (Woolwich) – 6 years 6 months
Michael Babo (Woolwich) – 6 years 10 months
Robert Hills (Gravesend, Kent) – 5 years 3 months
Ayomide Olaribiro (Manor Park) – 4 years 6 months
Nelson Joel (Dartford, Kent) – 3 years 3 months
Olabiyi Obasa (Dartford, Kent) – 3 years 6 months
David Okewole (Northfleet, Kent) – 7 years 6 months
Mushtakim Miah (Woolwich) – 8 years 6 months
Laville Bloise (Thamesmead) – 2 years, suspended for 2 years
The Metropolitan Police emphasized the critical role of forensic and digital investigations in dismantling the network and bringing its members to justice.