Four Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom have been sentenced to a combined prison term of 55 years for their involvement in a sophisticated phone robbery syndicate that terrorized London.
The Criminal Operation Uncovered
According to the UK Metropolitan Police, the convicts include David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole. Other gang members sentenced are James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.
The criminal group carried out an impressive 13 phone robbery operations across different stores in the UK between September and November 2024. Their coordinated attacks primarily targeted EE stores, where they used threats of violence to force staff members to open secure stock rooms.
How The Gang Was Brought to Justice
Investigators successfully linked suspects to the crime scenes through multiple evidence sources including DNA evidence, call data records, and vehicle tracking information. Police surveillance observed the group preparing for additional offences before making their move.
On November 19, 2024, officers arrested four of the men in the act at an EE shop in Kilburn. Subsequent searches at addresses connected to the suspects led to the recovery of stolen devices and further evidence firmly connecting the group to the robberies.
Financial Impact and Sentencing
The Kingston Crown Court in the United Kingdom handed down the sentences after establishing that the gang had stolen mobile phones and other devices with a total value of £240,000. The substantial prison terms reflect the serious nature of the crimes and the organized manner in which they were conducted.
The successful prosecution demonstrates the effectiveness of modern investigative techniques in combating organized retail crime that involves international participants operating within the UK.
