metro
Four Nigerians, six others jailed 55 years for phone robberies in UK
Four Nigerians, six others jailed 55 years for phone robberies in UK
LONDON — A United Kingdom court has sentenced 10 members of a violent phone robbery syndicate, including four Nigerians, to a combined 55 years in prison for a string of attacks on mobile phone stores across London and southeast England.
The Metropolitan Police disclosed on Monday that the convicts — David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole, all Nigerians — were sentenced alongside James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise following a months-long investigation.
According to the statement, the gang carried out 13 coordinated robberies between September and November 2024, targeting mainly EE retail outlets. The suspects used threats of violence to force staff to open secured stock rooms, carting away high-end smartphones and gadgets worth about £240,000.
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“Officers were able to link suspects to the crimes through DNA evidence, call data, and vehicle records,” the Met Police said.
“They observed the group as they prepared for further offences, and on November 19, 2024, officers moved in to arrest four of the men in the act at an EE shop in Kilburn.”
Subsequent raids on the suspects’ residences led to the recovery of stolen devices and additional evidence tying them to the robberies.
The suspects were charged with conspiracy to rob, and eight of them pleaded guilty at the Kingston Crown Court on January 30, 2025. Sentencing took place on Friday, November 7.
Below are the sentences handed down:
- James Adodo, 10 years’ imprisonment
- David Akintola, 6 years and 6 months
- Michael Babo, 6 years and 10 months
- Robert Hills, 5 years and 3 months
- Ayomide Olaribiro, 4 years and 6 months
- Nelson Joel, 3 years and 3 months
The remaining defendants — including Olabiyi Obasa, David Okewole, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise — are expected to receive their sentences later this month, according to the police.
The Met Police praised the “professionalism and courage” of its officers who stopped the gang “before they could strike again,” noting that the operation underscored its commitment to cracking down on organised retail crime across the city.
Four Nigerians, six others jailed 55 years for phone robberies in UK
metro
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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