Four Nigerians, Six Others Jailed 55 Years for London Phone Robbery Spree

Ten members of a violent robbery syndicate, including four Nigerians, have been sentenced to a total of 55 years in prison by Kingston Crown Court for a string of coordinated attacks on mobile phone stores across London.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the sentencing on Monday, revealing that the group carried out 13 robberies between September and November 2024, primarily targeting EE outlets. During the spree, staff were threatened and forced to open secure stockrooms as the robbers made away with phones and devices worth about £240,000.

Those convicted include Nigerians David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole, alongside six others — James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise. Investigators said DNA evidence, call records, and vehicle data linked the suspects to multiple crime scenes. Police surveillance later caught four of the men attempting another robbery at an EE store in Kilburn on November 19, 2024, leading to their arrest and the recovery of stolen goods.

All ten suspects were charged with conspiracy to rob, and eight pleaded guilty earlier this year. Sentencing took place on November 7, 2025.

According to the police, James Adodo received 10 years in prison; David Akintola, six years and six months; Michael Babo, six years and 10 months; Robert Hills, five years and three months; Ayomide Olaribiro, four years and six months; Nelson Joel, three years and three months; Olabiyi Obasa, three years and six months; and David Okewole, seven years and six months.

Two others received lighter sentences after admitting to attempted robbery. Laville Bloise was handed a two-year sentence, suspended for two years, while Mushtakim Miah received eight years and six months.

Detectives described the convictions as the culmination of a meticulous investigation that dismantled a network responsible for one of London’s most aggressive retail crime waves in recent years.