Nigerian Student Jailed for Robbery and Blackmail in UK

Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, a 19-year-old Nigerian student residing in the UK, was sentenced to seven years in prison on Monday at Leicester Crown Court for his involvement in a robbery and blackmail scheme. Alongside him, 20-year-old Richile Vangu received an 11-year sentence with an additional three-year extended licence period.

The court heard that on November 21, 2025, Akinrinola and Vangu attacked partygoers in North Kilworth, Leicestershire, threatening them with a knife and robbing them of designer items. Victims were forced to perform humiliating acts for TikTok while being recorded.

Vangu, who identified himself as “Trixta,” demanded £1,000 from each victim, threatening violence if they refused. Judge Steven Evans described the acts as “torture” and noted Akinrinola's essential role despite being “subservient” to Vangu.

Both were convicted of multiple counts of robbery and blackmail. Akinrinola's parents have appealed for a review of his conviction, claiming it was based on circumstantial evidence.