The family of a Nigerian student studying in the United Kingdom has appealed for a review of his conviction for robbery and blackmail, insisting that he was wrongly found guilty despite what they described as insufficient evidence linking him to the offences.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/yemi.jpg")
Mr. Aderinkola Akinrinola and Mrs. Olayinka Akinrinola, parents of 19-year-old Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, said their son was convicted by a UK court on June 19, 2026, and is currently being held in a prison in Nottingham pending sentencing fixed for July 27, 2026.
Oluwatobiloba, a first-year student at the University of Leicester, was convicted in connection with a robbery incident said to have occurred during a party on November 21, 2025.
In a statement released in Ibadan, Oyo State, the parents maintained that their son was innocent of the charges and alleged that the case against him was based largely on circumstantial evidence and his association with the principal suspect, identified as Richile Vagnu.
According to the family, Oluwatobiloba met Vagnu shortly after resuming his studies in September 2025, describing their relationship as that of acquaintances rather than close associates.
“Our son was present at the party where the incident took place, but he was never involved in the robbery,” the parents said.
They claimed that evidence presented in court included a photograph of Oluwatobiloba with Vagnu and CCTV footage showing him entering the venue of the party, but argued that no footage placed him at the scene of the alleged robbery itself.
The family further alleged that several victims testified in court that Oluwatobiloba was not among those who robbed them, with one witness reportedly stating that he appeared to be trying to help those affected.
According to the parents, Oluwatobiloba briefly entered the room where the incident was taking place, questioned what was happening and left after making it clear that he did not want to be involved.
They also stated that none of the items allegedly stolen from the victims, including jackets and footwear, was found in their son’s possession when police searched his accommodation.
The parents further claimed that while investigators presented evidence of money transfers made by victims to accounts allegedly linked to other suspects, no such transfers were traced to Oluwatobiloba’s bank accounts.
They questioned why some other individuals allegedly connected to the incident were not prosecuted, despite claims that they played more direct roles in the events under investigation.
“The police said they found evidence that money was transferred by the victims to the accounts of the other suspects, Vagnu and Ayomide Ibraheem, but no such evidence was found in our son’s bank records,” the family said.
They also alleged that one of the persons identified by victims as preventing them from leaving the room during the robbery was allowed to go free.
The parents said that after the incident, Oluwatobiloba saw a social media video which allegedly linked him to the attack and voluntarily contacted the police to cooperate with investigators because he believed he had done nothing wrong.
According to them, officers initially told him not to bother because he was not considered a suspect.
“Our son is a calm and sociable young man who has never been linked to any criminal activity before now,” the parents said.
They appealed to the UK authorities, legal institutions, human rights organisations and members of the public to examine the circumstances surrounding the conviction and ensure that justice is done.
“We are devastated. We simply want the world to hear our side of the story. Our son is about to suffer for a crime he did not commit. His life is about to be destroyed for something he did not do. We want the UK government to review the case and ensure that justice is done,” the family stated.
Sentencing in the matter is scheduled for July 27, 2026.
As an added bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE ebook titled: “How to use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion.”
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACiarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
______________________________________________________________________
“Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
