Family Appeals Nigerian Student's Conviction in UK Case

The family of 19-year-old Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola is appealing for a review of his conviction by a UK court for robbery and blackmail, which occurred on June 19, 2026. Currently held in a Nottingham prison, Oluwatobiloba is a first-year student at the University of Leicester.

His parents, Aderinkola and Olayinka Akinrinola, assert that their son was wrongfully convicted, claiming the evidence presented was insufficient. They argue that the case relied heavily on association with a principal suspect, Richil Vagnu, whom Oluwatobiloba met shortly before the incident.

The family contends that CCTV footage showed Oluwatobiloba entering the venue but not participating in the robbery itself. They emphasize that no property was reported stolen and that Oluwatobiloba voluntarily contacted the police to assist with the investigation.

The family is devastated by the conviction and fears for their son's future, calling for a fair review of the case before the public sentencing scheduled for July 27, 2026.