Nine members of an organised crime group have been jailed for a total of 55 years after a Metropolitan Police Flying Squad investigation into a string of violent robberies at mobile phone stores across London.
The gang which included four Nigerians, David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole carried out at least 13 robberies between September and November 2024, targeting mainly EE branches. The group used threats of violence to force employees to open secure stockrooms before fleeing with high-value devices worth approximately £240,000.
Detectives from the Met’s Flying Squad linked the suspects to multiple crime scenes through DNA evidence, call data, and vehicle tracking. Officers moved in on 19 November 2024, arresting four men during an attempted robbery at an EE store in Kilburn. Searches at properties associated with the group uncovered stolen goods and further evidence of their crimes.
Detective Constable Stephen O’Connell, who led the investigation, said:
“This case shows the Met’s continued determination to tackle organised phone theft and robbery. Officers used forensic and digital techniques to identify and arrest those responsible. We know the distress these crimes cause to staff and the impact on businesses. We’re dismantling criminal networks at every level.”
The defendants were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, 7 November 2025, after earlier pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob or attempted robbery.
Sentences
- James Adodo, 25, Dartford, Kent – 10 years’ imprisonment
- David Akintola, 25, Woolwich – 6 years 6 months
- Michael Babo, 25, Woolwich – 6 years 10 months
- Robert Hills, 21, Gravesend, Kent – 5 years 3 months
- Ayomide Olaribiro, 22, Manor Park – 4 years 6 months
- Nelson Joel, 28, Dartford, Kent – 3 years 3 months
- Olabiyi Obasa, 29, Dartford, Kent – 3 years 6 months
- David Okewole, 24, Northfleet, Kent – 7 years 6 months
- Laville Bloise, 25, Thamesmead – 2 years, suspended for 2 years
- Mushtakim Miah, 25, Woolwich – 8 years 6 months (found guilty after trial)
The Met Police said the investigation reflects its ongoing commitment to dismantling organised crime networks targeting retail and technology businesses across London.
