Four Nigerians and Five Others Jailed for 55years in the UK for robbing phone stores

Four Nigerians and five other men have been handed heavy prison sentences after being found guilty of carrying out a series of violent robberies at mobile phone stores across the United Kingdom.

The convicted Nigerians are David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole.

According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police, detectives from the Met’s Flying Squad began investigating the gang between September and November 2024. The group was linked to at least 13 robbery incidents, mostly targeting EE mobile stores.

During their attacks, the robbers threatened staff and forced them to open secure stockrooms before escaping with high-value smartphones and devices worth a total of £240,000.

Investigators were able to connect the suspects to the crimes using DNA evidence, mobile phone call records, and vehicle tracking data. Officers later monitored the gang as they prepared for another robbery. On 19 November 2024, police moved in and arrested four members during an attempted robbery at an EE store in Kilburn.

Searches carried out at properties linked to the men uncovered stolen devices and other evidence directly connecting them to the robberies.

On November 7th, 2025, all ten men were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court.

Sentences:

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob (January 30):

• James Adodo (05.09.00), Dartford, Kent – 10 years imprisonment
• David Akintola (20.05.00), Woolwich – 6 years 6 months
• Michael Babo (15.07.00), Woolwich – 6 years 10 months
• Robert Hills (09.08.04), Gravesend, Kent – 5 years 3 months
• Ayomide Olaribiro (29.04.03), Manor Park – 4 years 6 months
• Nelson Joel (09.09.97), Dartford, Kent – 3 years 3 months
• Olabiyi Obasa (06.04.96), Dartford, Kent – 3 years 6 months
• David Okewole (29.08.01), Northfleet, Kent – 7 years 6 months

Pleaded guilty to attempted robbery (August 18):

• Laville Bloise (17.07.00), Thamesmead – 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Found guilty of attempted robbery (August 21):

• Mushtakim Miah (04.02.00), Woolwich – 8 years 6 months imprisonment

The Metropolitan Police praised the investigative team for their work in dismantling the gang and preventing further violent attacks.