UK Court Jails Nigerian-born Man Five Years for Day-Long Robbery Spree

A Nigerian-born individual has been handed a five-year prison sentence in the United Kingdom after carrying out a series of robberies against four men within a single day. Wasiu Smith, 26, was found guilty of stealing various items, including mobile phones, a work laptop, and an heirloom ring valued at £600, during the incidents that occurred outside Farringdon Tube station on November 4, 2025.

Smith, who was born in Nigeria and holds a Dutch passport, has resided in the UK since 2019, initially settling in Shropshire before relocating to Walsall. During his trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, he claimed he had traveled from Canary Wharf to view Christmas lights, despite them not yet being illuminated at the time.

Prosecutor Adrian Yallan informed the court that one of Smith's victims was Alex Belsham-Harris, who heads Energy Consumer Markets at Citizens Advice. Mr. Belsham-Harris, having just left the gym, was pounced on by Smith, who had a scarf covering his face. Smith delivered multiple blows behind his ear before absconding with Mr. Belsham-Harris's bag, which contained his work laptop. Following the assault, Mr. Belsham-Harris felt disoriented and struggled to stand, seeking refuge in a nearby Tesco.

Another victim, Bonny Wambulu, was standing outside his office on Farringdon Road when Smith rapidly approached him, instructing him not to move. Smith repeatedly demanded money, implying he had a weapon concealed in his pocket. Panicked, Mr. Wambulu raised his hands, stating he had no money.

Alexander Burgess, Smith's third victim, was walking towards Farringdon station after having an opal ring repaired. Smith noticed the ring and made aggressive gestures, threatening to punch Mr. Burgess while again suggesting he had a weapon. Mr. Burgess surrendered the ring, after which Smith issued another punch threat and told him to leave.

Michael Evesque, managing director of lighting company Bert Frank, became the fourth victim while heading to his office on Farringdon Road. The court heard that Smith positioned himself in the middle of the pavement, blocking passersby with outstretched arms and legs.

Police officers later apprehended Smith on a bus, where he was found with the stolen goods and a wrap of crack cocaine. When questioned, Smith asserted that the opal ring and stolen rucksack belonged to him, claiming he had been attacked by unknown individuals and that the drugs were planted.

Katie Knafler, Smith's barrister, suggested to the court that his habit of keeping one hand in his pocket during the attacks might have an innocent explanation, such as the cold weather. However, Judge Charles Falk dismissed this notion, stating that individuals do not commit robberies with one hand in their pocket.

Judge Falk sentenced Smith to five years in prison, citing three counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, one count of common assault, and one count of possessing a Class A drug. The judge remarked that Smith exhibited 'no insight and no remorse' and committed his offences 'to obtain crack cocaine.'