Overview of the Case
Two young men, including a 19-year-old Nigerian student, have been sentenced to prison for a violent robbery and blackmail spree that targeted partygoers in Leicestershire, United Kingdom. The crimes, which involved forcing victims to dance for TikTok, were partially recorded and posted on social media. On Monday, July 27, 2026, the Leicester Crown Court handed down sentences of 11 years and 7 years to Richile Vangu, 20, and Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, 19, respectively.
The Robbery and Humiliation
The incident occurred on November 21, 2025, at a gathering in North Kilworth, Leicestershire. Judge Steven Evans, who presided over the case, described how Vangu, who introduced himself as 'Trixta – like a villain from the movies,' had planned the robbery and recruited a group of men, including Akinrinola. At the party, at least eight men were forced into a bedroom at knifepoint. The assailants brandished a large 'zombie-style knife' and stole designer clothing and an iPhone. Vangu then demanded that each victim transfer £1,000 to him, threatening to stab them in the leg if they failed to comply.
In a particularly degrading episode, the victims were forced to perform multiple takes of a TikTok dance while Vangu photographed their student identification cards to confirm their addresses. Akinrinola, though described as 'subservient' to Vangu, played an 'essential part' in the offenses, the judge noted.
Continued Abuse at Student Accommodation
Later that same day, Vangu ordered several men who had not yet paid to come to student accommodation on Bath Lane. Upon arrival, Akinrinola forced them to do star jumps and high knees before repeatedly punching them. Vangu then whipped them with a belt, shot them in the head with a BB gun, waxed their faces, and threatened to chop off their dreadlocks if they did not pay. Judge Evans stated that the pair had 'tortured' and 'humiliated' the victims.
Posting Crimes on TikTok
Vangu recorded videos of both the house party and the student accommodation abuse and posted them on TikTok. During the trial, evidence showed that Vangu laughed when the videos were played in court. A Probation Service expert reported that Vangu had 'enjoyed humiliating and targeting' his victims. Judge Evans noted a 'complete absence of empathy' in Vangu's demeanor.
Sentencing and Verdicts
After a trial, Vangu was found guilty of four counts of robbery, ten counts of blackmail, and one count of actual bodily harm. He had previously pleaded guilty to one count of actual bodily harm. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison with an extended licence period of three years. Akinrinola was convicted of nine counts of blackmail, four counts of robbery, and two counts of actual bodily harm, but was found not guilty of one blackmail count. He received a 7-year prison term.
Other Defendants Acquitted
Two other individuals arrested in connection with the incident, Benjamin Osadolor, 19, of Northampton, and Ayomide Ibraheem, 19, of London, were found not guilty on all charges and have been released.
Impact and Justice
The case underscores the severe consequences of using social media to glorify violent crimes. The victims, many of whom were students, endured physical and psychological trauma. The judge's strong sentences reflect the gravity of the offenses, which combined robbery, blackmail, and public humiliation. As the convicts begin their prison terms, the case serves as a warning against the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for online notoriety.
