Four Nigerians Jailed in UK as Phone Robbery Gang Bags 55 Years

Four Nigerians have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms in the United Kingdom for their roles in a violent robbery syndicate that raided multiple mobile phone outlets across London, stealing high-value devices worth £240,000.

They were convicted alongside six other accomplices and collectively handed a total of 55 years’ imprisonment, according to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police on Monday.

The Nigerians were identified as David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa and David Okewole. The rest of the gang comprised James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah and Laville Bloise.

Investigators said the group executed 13 coordinated robberies between September and November 2024, with most of their attacks targeting EE stores across the UK. The gang used threats of violence to force employees to open secure stock rooms before escaping with bags of premium mobile phones and electronic devices.

The police said the value of stolen items stood at £240,000.

Detectives traced the suspects through a combination of DNA evidence, call records and vehicle tracking. Officers monitored the group as they prepared for another attack and, on November 19, 2024, arrested four members mid-operation at an EE shop in Kilburn.

Subsequent searches of their homes uncovered more stolen devices and further evidence linking them to the robbery spree.

All 10 suspects were charged, and eight pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob during a hearing on January 30, 2025. They were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, November 7, 2025.

James Adodo of St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent, received 10 years’ imprisonment.
David Akintola of Samuel Street, Woolwich, was jailed for six years and six months.
Michael Babo of Gilbert Close, Woolwich, got six years and 10 months.
Robert Hills of Mayfield Road, Gravesend, Kent, received five years and three months.
Ayomide Olaribiro of Warrior Square, Manor Park, was sentenced to four years and six months.

Nelson Joel of St Martins Road, Dartford, was handed three years and three months.
Olabiyi Obasa of Norfolk Close, Dartford, was jailed for three years and six months.

David Okewole of Vale Road, Northfleet, was sentenced to seven years and six months.

Two others faced lighter penalties after admitting to attempted robbery.

Laville Bloise of Goldcrest Close, Thamesmead, was given two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, while Mushtakim Miah of Artillery Place, Woolwich, received eight years and six months.

The Metropolitan Police described the sentencing as a major breakthrough in its efforts to dismantle violent robbery rings targeting telecommunications outlets across London.

Detectives said the case demonstrated how modern forensic techniques and intelligence-led policing continue to expose criminal networks.