A 19-year-old Nigerian student studying in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to prison after a UK court found him guilty of multiple counts of robbery and blackmail linked to violent incidents that occurred in late 2025.

The student, Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, received his sentence after previously being convicted by a British court over offences committed during incidents in North Kilworth and Bath Lane. The sentencing followed proceedings that began after his conviction on June 19, with the court delivering its final judgment on July 27.

Conviction Followed Series of Robbery Incidents

Court proceedings found Akinrinola guilty of several counts of robbery and blackmail arising from separate incidents in November 2025.

Prosecutors alleged that the offences involved victims who were robbed and subjected to blackmail, while two victims also suffered actual bodily harm during one of the attacks. The case formed part of a wider investigation involving multiple suspects.

Parents Continue to Maintain Son’s Innocence

Despite the conviction and sentencing, Akinrinola’s parents, Mr. Aderinkola Akinrinola and Mrs. Olayinka Akinrinola, have continued to insist that their son was wrongly convicted.

The couple argued that the prosecution relied largely on circumstantial evidence and his association with the alleged principal suspect, Richile Vagnu, rather than direct evidence proving his involvement in the crimes.

According to the family, their son became acquainted with Vagnu shortly after enrolling as a first-year student at the University of Leicester in September 2025, stressing that they were never close associates.

Family Questions Evidence Presented in Court

The parents also questioned the evidence presented during the trial, claiming there was no proof that money stolen from victims was transferred into their son’s bank account.

They further maintained that CCTV footage introduced in court only showed Oluwatobiloba arriving at the venue where one of the incidents occurred and did not place him among those carrying out the robbery.

According to the family, one of the victims reportedly testified that the Nigerian student appeared to question what was happening before leaving the scene, rather than participating in the attack.

They also said their son voluntarily contacted police after seeing a social media video linking him to the incident and was initially informed that he was not regarded as a suspect.

Parents Appeal for Review of Verdict

Following the conviction, the family appealed to the UK authorities, legal institutions and human rights organisations to review the judgment.

They described Oluwatobiloba as a peaceful young man with no previous criminal record and said they believe justice has not been served.

The parents urged the relevant authorities to re-examine the circumstances surrounding the case, insisting that their son had been convicted for offences he did not commit.

The case has attracted attention both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with the sentencing marking the latest development in a matter that has generated significant public interest.