London gang jailed for violent gadget thefts

In a city that never sleeps, it’s chilling to think organised crime can strike in broad daylight. But that’s exactly what happened in London when a violent robbery ring made high-end electronics their prey—until they were finally caught.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that a gang comprised of multiple Nigerians, alongside others, has been convicted and jailed for their role in a spree of violent gadget thefts. The coordinated operation led to a combined prison term totalling 55 years.

What happened

• Between September and November 2024, the gang mounted 13 armed robberies at retail stores in London and its environs, targeting expensive mobile phones and electrical gadgets.

• Their favourite targets: stores of the EE telecom chain. They used intimidation and threats of violence to force staff open secure stockrooms, then made off with high-end items.

• Estimated value of stolen goods: £240,000.

• Evidence used against them included: DNA traces, telephone call logs, and car-tracking data.

• On 19 November 2024, police surveillance intervened as four gang members attempted another robbery at an EE store in Kilburn. Subsequent home searches connected to these individuals uncovered more stolen items and past crime links.

• On 30 January 2025, eight of the ten accused pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob. They were sentenced on 7 November 2025.

Here are the individual sentences:

• James Adodo – 10 years (St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent)

• David Akintola – 6 years 6 months (Samuel Street, Woolwich)

• Michael Babo – 6 years 10 months (Gilbert Close, Woolwich)

• Robert Hills – 5 years 3 months (Mayfield Road, Gravesend, Kent)

• Ayomide Olaribiro – 4 years 6 months (Warrior Square, Manor Park)

• Nelson Joel – 3 years 3 months (St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent)

• Olabiyi Obasa – 3 years 6 months (Norfolk Close, Dartford, Kent)

• David Okewole – 7 years 6 months (Vale Road, Northfleet, Kent)

• Laville Bloise – 2 years in prison (suspended for 2 years) (Goldcrest Close, Thamesmead)

• Mushtakim Miah – 8 years 6 months (Artillery Place, Woolwich)