Four Nigerians have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms in the United Kingdom for their involvement in a violent phone robbery syndicate that targeted mobile phone outlets across London.

The group, convicted alongside six other accomplices, received a combined jail term of 55 years following a ruling at Kingston Crown Court. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the convictions in a statement on Monday.

The Nigerians, identified as David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole, were key members of the organised gang responsible for a series of robberies at electronics and telecommunications stores across the city. Other members include James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.

Police revealed that between September and November 2024, the gang carried out 13 coordinated robberies, mostly at EE stores, using threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms. In total, the syndicate stole high-value devices worth approximately £240,000.

Investigators said the gang was linked to several crime scenes through forensic and digital evidence, including DNA, call data, and vehicle records. On November 19, 2024, four members were arrested in the act at an EE shop in Kilburn, while searches of their homes recovered stolen devices and additional evidence.

All ten suspects were charged, with eight pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025. Sentencing took place on Friday, November 7, 2025.

Individual sentences were as follows:

• James Adodo (St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent) – 10 years
• David Akintola (Samuel Street, Woolwich) – 6 years 6 months
• Michael Babo (Gilbert Close, Woolwich) – 6 years 10 months
• Robert Hills (Mayfield Road, Gravesend, Kent) – 5 years 3 months
• Ayomide Olaribiro (Warrior Square, Manor Park) – 4 years 6 months
• Nelson Joel (St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent) – 3 years 3 months
• Olabiyi Obasa (Norfolk Close, Dartford, Kent) – 3 years 6 months
• David Okewole (Vale Road, Northfleet, Kent) – 7 years 6 months
• Mushtakim Miah (Artillery Place, Woolwich) – 8 years 6 months
• Laville Bloise (Goldcrest Close, Thamesmead) – 2 years (suspended for 2 years)

The police emphasized that the syndicate’s organised operations and violent methods made their arrest a priority, and the sentencing sends a strong warning to criminal networks in the city.