By Charles Pemu 
Four Nigerians were among a ten-man phone-robbery syndicate terrorizing the London metropolis that has been sentenced to a combined jail term of 55 years by the Kingston Crown Court in the United Kingdom.
The highly organized group was responsible for carrying out 13 sophisticated phone-robbery operations across various stores between September and November 2024, stealing high-value mobile phones and devices totaling £240,000.
The four Nigerians identified among the ten convicts who received varying prison sentences are:
- David Akintola of Woolwich (6 years, 6 months)
- Ayomide Olaribiro of Manor Park (4 years, 6 months)
- Olabiyi Obasa of Dartford (3 years, 6 months)
- David Okewole of Northfleet (7 years, 6 months)
Other members of the syndicate sentenced include James Adodo (10 years), Robert Hills (5 years, 3 months), Nelson Joel (3 years, 3 months), Michael Babo (6 years, 10 months), Mushtakim Miah (8 years, 6 months for attempted robbery), and Laville Bloise (2 years suspended sentence for attempted robbery).
The syndicate specifically targeted mostly EE stores, using threats of violence to force staff members to open secure stock rooms before making off with the high-value items.
Police were able to link the suspects to the crime scenes using sophisticated methods including DNA evidence, call data, and vehicle records. The investigation culminated on November 19, 2024, when officers successfully arrested four of the men in the act during an attempted robbery at an EE shop in Kilburn. Searches at linked addresses led to the recovery of stolen devices and crucial evidence.
Eight of the suspects pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, while two others pleaded guilty to attempted robbery. All were sentenced on Friday, November 7.
This latest development follows increasing reports of Nigerians abroad being convicted for criminal offenses, including the recent 10-year jail term handed down to postgraduate student Chiemka Okoronta for raping a teenage girl, after which he faces deportation.