Jail for Gang That Robbed Fulham Mobile Phone Shop


Spate of raids prompted some retailers to lock doors


The gang during one of their raids on an EE mobile phone shop. Picture: Met Police

November 10, 2025

Ten members of a gang responsible for a violent robbery at the EE store in Fulham Broadway Retail Centre and a wider campaign of mobile phone shop raids across London have been jailed.

On 11 November 2024, masked members of the group entered local branch of the mobile phone retailer shortly before closing time. They threatened staff and forced access to secure stockrooms, escaping with high-value mobile phones and devices. The robbery was part of a coordinated series of attacks on at least 13 shops between September and November.

The gang’s approach was systematic: they arrived in groups, wore hoods and masks, and used intimidation to bypass security. Staff were left traumatised, with some reportedly detained during the incidents.

The Fulham robbery was one of several EE store raids, including in Eltham, Balham, Notting Hill, Chiswick, Putney, and Clapham. The gang also targeted a Three store on Holloway Road. In total, they stole devices worth around £240,000.

Detectives from the Met’s Flying Squad led the investigation, using CCTV, forensic evidence, and mobile phone data to track the suspects. A breakthrough came in November when four men were arrested mid-robbery at an EE shop in Kilburn. Further searches recovered stolen goods and linked the group to the wider campaign.

Ten men were charged and sentenced at Kingston Crown Court in November 2025, receiving a combined total of more than 55 years in prison. Sentences ranged from two years (suspended) to ten years for conspiracy to rob and attempted robbery.

Following the Fulham incident, some retailers in the Broadway area and nearby streets reviewed their security protocols. While EE did not adopt a locked-door policy, several independent shops now require customers to be buzzed in during late trading hours.

Alex Towers, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at BT Group, said, “We take the safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers extremely seriously and have long collaborated with law enforcement on cases like this.”

Detective Constable Stephen O’Connell, who led the investigation, added, “We know how much distress these crimes cause to staff and the impact on businesses. We’re dismantling criminal networks at every level.”

Ten men were convicted in connection with the mobile phone shop robbery campaign, including the Fulham Broadway incident.

Conspiracy to Rob:

  • James Adodo, 24, Dartford, Kent — 10 years
  • David Akintola, 24, Woolwich — 6 years 6 months
  • Michael Babo, 24, 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, 27, Dartford, Kent — 3 years 3 months
  • Olabiyi Obasa, 29, Dartford, Kent — 3 years 6 months
  • David Okewole, 24, Northfleet, Kent — 7 years 6 months

Attempted Robbery:

  • Laville Bloise, 24, Thamesmead — 2 years (suspended)
  • Mushtakim Miah, 25, Woolwich — 8 years 6 months

 

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