Four Nigerians Jailed 55 Years in UK for Running Violent Phone-Robbery Syndicate Across London

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Four Nigerians have been sentenced to a combined 55 years imprisonment by the Kingston Crown Court in the United Kingdom for their roles in a violent phone-robbery syndicate that terrorized parts of London.

The convicted men — David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole — were part of a 10-member criminal network responsible for a series of coordinated muggings and phone thefts targeting pedestrians and commuters across London’s metropolitan area.

According to Metropolitan Police investigators, the gang operated with precision, ambushing unsuspecting victims in public places, often using stolen mopeds and bikes to snatch mobile phones and flee before authorities could respond. The gang’s activities, which spanned several months, led to hundreds of reported thefts, many involving violence and intimidation.

Following a lengthy undercover operation, UK authorities tracked the suspects using forensic data, CCTV footage, and digital evidence from stolen devices that had been resold or shipped overseas.

In a statement after the sentencing, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson described the operation as a “major breakthrough” in dismantling a criminal network that had “brought fear to London’s streets.”

“These individuals caused immense distress to innocent victims. Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that organized theft and violence will not be tolerated,” the spokesperson added.

The judge at Kingston Crown Court emphasized the severity of the crimes, noting the premeditated nature of the robberies and the trauma inflicted on victims, many of whom were attacked during rush-hour commutes.

While six other members of the syndicate — including three foreign nationals — are still facing trial, authorities have confirmed that several of the stolen phones have been recovered and returned to their rightful owners.

The convictions highlight the UK’s growing crackdown on organized street crime, particularly gangs using mobile devices and social media to coordinate robberies and evade law enforcement.