Phone Shop Robbery Gang Jailed for 55 Years

Members of an organized crime group have been jailed for a total of more than 55 years following a Met Police investigation into a series of robberies at mobile phone shops across London.

The Crime Spree

Between September and November 2024, detectives from the Met's Flying Squad worked to identify and arrest members of the gang responsible for at least 13 offences.

The group targeted mostly EE stores, using threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms before making off with high-value mobile phones and other devices.

Total value stolen: £240,000

The Investigation

The investigation involved painstaking analysis of:

• CCTV footage
• Forensic evidence
• Mobile phone data

Detective Constable Stephen O'Connell, who led the investigation, said:

"This case shows the Met's continued determination to tackle organized phone theft and robbery. Officers used forensic and digital techniques to identify and arrest those responsible and bring them to justice."

The Arrests

Officers observed the group as they prepared for further offences. On 19 November 2024, officers moved in to arrest four of the men in the act at an EE shop in Kilburn.

Searches at addresses linked to the suspects led to the recovery of stolen devices and further evidence connecting the group to the robberies.

The Sentences

All ten men were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, 7 November:

• James Adodo (24) - 10 years
• Mushtakim Miah (25) - 8 years 6 months
• David Okewole (24) - 7 years 6 months
• Michael Babo (25) - 6 years 10 months
• David Akintola (25) - 6 years 6 months
• Robert Hills (21) - 5 years 3 months
• Ayomide Olaribiro (22) - 4 years 6 months
• Olabiyi Obasa (29) - 3 years 6 months
• Nelson Joel (28) - 3 years 3 months
• Laville Bloise (25) - 2 years suspended

Targeted Locations

The gang hit 13 stores across London including:

• Holloway Road
• Eltham
• Balham
• Chiswick
• Crouch End
• Notting Hill Gate
• Putney
• Clapham (twice)
• Tooting
• Fulham
• Kilburn

Industry Response

Alex Towers, Director of Policy at BT Group, said:

"We thank the police for their hard work in securing a conviction in this case. We take the safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers extremely seriously."

What This Means

DC O'Connell added: "We know how much distress these crimes cause to staff and the impact on businesses. We're dismantling criminal networks at every level."

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Source: Metropolitan Police, 7 November 2025