London, United Kingdom — November 11, 2025:
Four Nigerians have been sentenced to a total of 55 years in prison by a Kingston Crown Court in the United Kingdom for their roles in a violent phone-snatching syndicate that terrorised residents across the London metropolis.
The sentencing followed a months-long investigation by the Metropolitan Police, which uncovered a coordinated robbery network responsible for a series of attacks, street thefts, and assaults aimed at stealing mobile phones and other valuables.
The convicts — David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole — were among a group of ten individuals arrested and charged in connection with the crimes.
Others convicted in the same operation include James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.
Met Police Statement
According to a statement published on the UK Metropolitan Police website on Monday, the gang operated across several London boroughs, targeting pedestrians and commuters in busy areas.
“These individuals were part of an organised criminal group responsible for dozens of robberies and violent thefts across London.
Their activities caused immense distress to victims and created fear within local communities,” the statement read.
Investigators said the group used stolen mopeds, bicycles, and getaway cars to snatch mobile phones from unsuspecting victims, often during rush hours or near transport hubs. Some victims were reportedly assaulted when they tried to resist.
How the Gang Operated
Detectives traced the gang’s operations to a series of robbery hotspots in Westminster, Camden, Lambeth, and Southwark, where numerous phone thefts had been reported between January and September 2024.
Surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and digital tracking helped the police identify the suspects. The gang reportedly sold many of the stolen devices to illegal resellers who exported them to West Africa and Eastern Europe.
The statement revealed that the group generated tens of thousands of pounds from the stolen phones, with some devices traced to resale markets in Lagos and Accra.
Arrests and Conviction
Following coordinated raids across London in late 2024, police recovered over 150 stolen mobile phones, several fake IDs, and cash proceeds linked to the syndicate.
The defendants were charged with conspiracy to rob, handling stolen goods, and possession of offensive weapons.
After a lengthy trial, the Kingston Crown Court found all ten individuals guilty, with the four Nigerian ringleaders receiving the heaviest sentences.
While the Met Police did not specify the individual jail terms in its statement, sources familiar with the case said Akintola and Olaribiro were each sentenced to 15 years, while Obasa and Okewole received 12.5 years each, bringing the total to 55 years.
Police Commendation
Detective Inspector Kevin Hughes, who led the investigation, described the verdict as “a major victory against organised urban robbery.”
“These sentences send a clear message that those who prey on innocent Londoners through intimidation and violence will face severe consequences,” Hughes said.
“Our officers worked tirelessly to identify, arrest, and prosecute this network. The impact of their crimes went far beyond financial loss — it shattered people’s sense of safety,” he added.
Community Reaction
London residents and local leaders have welcomed the judgment, calling it a “relief” for communities plagued by phone-snatching attacks.
Reports of mobile phone theft in London have risen sharply in recent years, with the Metropolitan Police recording more than 60,000 cases in 2024 alone — an average of 165 per day.
Officials say gangs often target high-end smartphones, using them for quick resale or identity theft.
International Angle
The involvement of Nigerians in the London syndicate has sparked fresh discussions about transnational street crime and cooperation between UK and Nigerian law enforcement agencies.
Sources in the National Crime Agency (NCA) indicated that British authorities have reached out to their Nigerian counterparts for intelligence sharing to track cross-border criminal proceeds.
Background
Some of the convicted individuals were reportedly living in the UK legally, while others had overstayed their visas or entered the country illegally.
The British Home Office is expected to initiate deportation proceedings for those without valid immigration status after serving their sentences.
The case forms part of Operation Venice, a long-running Met Police crackdown on violent moped and phone theft gangs across London.
Conclusion
The conviction of Akintola, Olaribiro, Obasa, and Okewole marks another milestone in the UK’s ongoing fight against organised street crime.
Authorities say the lengthy prison terms reflect the gravity of their offences and the impact of their crimes on public safety.
