Four Nigerians Jailed 55 Years for UK Phone Robbery Spree

Four Nigerians Jailed 55 Years for UK Phone Robbery Spree
The gang robbed EE stores using threats and violence.
Police traced them through DNA and surveillance evidence.

A United Kingdom court has sentenced four Nigerians and six others to a total of 55 years imprisonment for a series of violent phone robberies across London. The convicts were identified as David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole, alongside six British nationals.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to a statement from the UK Metropolitan Police, the gang targeted EE mobile stores between September and November 2024, stealing phones and gadgets worth over £240,000. They reportedly threatened store staff to gain access to secured stockrooms before fleeing with the stolen devices.

Investigations linked the suspects to the crimes through DNA traces, call data, and vehicle records. Police arrested four members during a robbery attempt at an EE shop in Kilburn on November 19, 2024, recovering several stolen items.

Following their arrest, 10 suspects were charged, with eight pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30. They were sentenced on November 7 by the Kingston Crown Court.

The breakdown of the sentences showed that James Adodo received 10 years, Akintola six years and six months, and Okewole seven years and six months. Olaribiro was sentenced to four years and six months, while Obasa got three years and six months. Others, including British nationals, received varying jail terms ranging from three to eight years.

Two others, Laville Bloise and Mushtakim Miah, were convicted of attempted robbery. Bloise received a suspended two-year sentence, while Miah bagged eight years and six months.

Authorities said the operation was part of a crackdown on organised retail crime in London.