A London court has sentenced nine members of a violent robbery gang — including four Nigerians — to a combined total of 55 years in prison for a string of coordinated attacks on mobile phone stores across the United Kingdom.
The convictions followed an extensive investigation by detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad, who uncovered the group’s involvement in at least 13 organised robberies targeting EE and other mobile phone shops between September and November 2024.
According to the Met Police, the gang routinely used threats and intimidation to coerce shop employees into unlocking secure stockrooms, before escaping with high-value electronic goods worth over £240,000. Officers linked the suspects to the crimes through CCTV footage, DNA samples, call data, and vehicle tracking records.
Detective Constable Stephen O’Connell, who led the investigation, said the case demonstrates the Met’s ongoing commitment to dismantling organised criminal groups responsible for phone thefts and store robberies.
“We know the distress these incidents cause to retail staff and the wider impact on businesses,” O’Connell said. “This result shows that we will continue to pursue those responsible — from street-level thieves to those higher up in criminal networks — and ensure they are brought to justice.”
The Flying Squad began surveillance operations in late 2024, observing the gang as they prepared for further robberies. On 19 November 2024, officers intercepted and arrested four of the men mid-operation at an EE branch in Kilburn, northwest London. Subsequent searches of their homes led to the recovery of stolen phones, tools used in the crimes, and digital evidence linking them to earlier incidents.
All ten men were charged, and nine were convicted at Kingston Crown Court, where they received sentences ranging from suspended terms to more than ten years in prison.
Those sentenced include:
• James Adodo (05.09.00), of Dartford, Kent – 10 years
• David Akintola (20.05.00), of Woolwich – 6 years, 6 months
• Michael Babo (15.07.00), of Woolwich – 6 years, 10 months
• Robert Hills (09.08.04), of Gravesend, Kent – 5 years, 3 months
• Ayomide Olaribiro (29.04.03), of Manor Park – 4 years, 6 months
• Nelson Joel (09.09.97), of Dartford, Kent – 3 years, 3 months
• Olabiyi Obasa (06.04.96), of Dartford, Kent – 3 years, 6 months
• David Okewole (29.08.01), of Northfleet, Kent – 7 years, 6 months
• Mushtakim Miah (04.02.00), of Woolwich – 8 years, 6 months
Another member, Laville Bloise (17.07.00), of Thamesmead, received a two-year suspended sentence for attempted robbery.
Retail security experts have praised the collaboration between the Metropolitan Police and mobile phone companies in tracking organised theft rings, which have surged in recent years. A spokesperson for EE commended the “swift and professional response” of police officers, adding that the company continues to strengthen its in-store security systems and employee safety measures.
The Met Police reaffirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify other potential members and associates of the gang who may still be active across the UK.
Source:Africa Publicity
