Family seeks review of Nigerian student’s conviction in UK

The family of a Nigerian student studying in the United Kingdom has appealed for a review of his conviction, maintaining that he was wrongly found guilty of robbery and blackmail despite what they describe as insufficient evidence linking him to the offences.

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 at a prison in Nottingham ahead of his sentencing scheduled for July 27, 2026.

According to the family, Oluwatobiloba, a first-year student at the University of Leicester, was convicted in connection with a robbery incident that occurred during a party on November 21, 2025.

The parents insist their son is innocent and contend that the case against him was largely based on his association with the alleged principal suspect, identified as Richile Vagnu, whom they say he met shortly after beginning his studies in September 2025.

They claim that evidence presented in court included a photograph showing Oluwatobiloba with Vagnu and CCTV footage showing him entering the venue where the incident occurred. However, they argue that no footage placed him at the scene of the alleged robbery itself.

According to the family’s account of court proceedings, several victims testified that Oluwatobiloba was not involved in the robbery. They say one witness even suggested that he appeared to be attempting to help those affected.

The parents further state that their son briefly entered a room where the incident was taking place, questioned what was happening, and left after making it clear he did not wish to be involved.

They also note that none of the property reportedly stolen from victims—including jackets and footwear—was found in his possession when police searched his accommodation.

The family further claims 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.

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Mr. and Mrs Akinrinola have questioned why some other individuals allegedly connected to the incident were not prosecuted despite testimony that they played more direct roles in the events under investigation.

According to the family, Oluwatobiloba voluntarily contacted the police after seeing online content that appeared to identify him as one of the attackers. They say he offered to cooperate fully with investigators because he believed he had done nothing wrong.

Describing their son as a peaceful and sociable young man with no previous criminal history, the family says they are devastated by the conviction and fear it could have lasting consequences for his future.

They are now calling for a review of the case and are appealing to members of the public, legal advocates, and relevant authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the conviction.

“We simply want our son’s case to be fairly reviewed and for our side of the story to be heard,” the family said in a statement.

At the time of publication, sentencing is expected to take place on July 27, 2026.