Four Nigerians who were part of a violent phone-robbery gang that terrorized parts of London have been sent to prison by the Kingston Crown Court in the United Kingdom.

According to a statement by the UK Metropolitan Police website on Monday, detailing the coordinated police operation that led to their arrest and conviction.

The convicts were identified as David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole. Others sentenced alongside them were James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.

The gang carried out 13 armed robberies between September and November 2024, targeting high-value mobile phones and electronic devices from retail outlets across London and surrounding areas.

“The group primarily targeted EE stores, using intimidation and threats of violence to compel staff to open secure stockrooms before escaping with high-end mobile phones and other gadgets. In total, they stole items worth approximately £240,000,” the statement read.

Investigators were able to tie the suspects to the crimes through DNA samples, call records, and vehicle tracking data.

Police surveillance teams monitored the group’s activities and, on November 19, 2024, moved in to arrest four members caught attempting another robbery at an EE outlet in Kilburn.

Search operations conducted at several addresses linked to the suspects led to the recovery of stolen items and additional evidence connecting them to earlier robberies.

All ten suspects were charged to court, with eight pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025. They were subsequently sentenced on Friday, November 7, 2025.

The Metropolitan Police detailed the sentences as follows, “James Adodo of St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. David Akintola of Samuel Street, Woolwich, was sentenced to six years and six months’ imprisonment.

“Michael Babo of Gilbert Close, Woolwich, was sentenced to six years and 10 months’ imprisonment. Robert Hills of Mayfield Road, Gravesend, Kent, was sentenced to five years and three months’ imprisonment.

“Ayomide Olaribiro of Warrior Square, Manor Park, was sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment. Nelson Joel of St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent, was sentenced to three years and three months’ imprisonment.

“Olabiyi Obasa of Norfolk Close, Dartford, Kent, was sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment. David Okewole of Vale Road, Northfleet, Kent, was sentenced to seven years and six months’ imprisonment.”

Two other members faced lesser sentences after admitting to attempted robbery.

“Laville Bloise of Goldcrest Close, Thamesmead, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

“Mushtakim Miah of Artillery Place, Woolwich, was sentenced to eight years and six months’ imprisonment,” the police disclosed.