A 19-year-old Nigerian, Fawaz Oyedeji, has been sentenced to four years in prison in the United Kingdom for attempting to steal a luxury Porsche Cayenne worth £72,500 at gunpoint using an imitation firearm.
Oyedeji, who resides in Greenwich, London, reportedly posed as a potential buyer after responding to an online advertisement for the vehicle. He subsequently arranged to inspect it at the seller’s home in Southwark on March 18.
After the seller showed him the Porsche, the two men sat in the front seats to discuss the proposed purchase. However, the meeting took a dangerous turn when Oyedeji allegedly produced what appeared to be a firearm, pointed it at the seller and demanded the vehicle’s keys.
The seller resisted and fought back, forcing the teenager to abandon the robbery attempt and flee.
Police subsequently launched an investigation, relying on digital records, CCTV footage and forensic evidence to identify the suspect.
Detectives traced the phone used to arrange the vehicle inspection to Oyedeji, establishing that it had been in the vicinity of both his residence and the scene of the attempted robbery.
Investigators also obtained CCTV footage showing his movements shortly before and after the incident. Officers later recovered clothing matching what the suspect had worn during the attempted robbery.
Oyedeji was arrested at his home on Leonard Robbins Path within 38 hours of the incident.
A jury at the Inner London Crown Court found him guilty after deliberating for just 26 minutes on Wednesday, November 4. He was subsequently sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.
Detective Constable Alex Long, who led the investigation, commended the victim for resisting the robbery and assisting police with their enquiries.
“The victim showed immense courage by refusing to hand over his keys despite being threatened with what appeared to be a genuine firearm,” Long said.
He added that CCTV footage, digital records and forensic evidence helped investigators build a strong case against Oyedeji and secure his conviction.
DC Long also urged members of the public to exercise caution when buying or selling vehicles privately, advising them to walk away from suspicious transactions and contact emergency services when necessary.
