A Nigerian-born man, Fawaz Oyedeji, who posed as a potential car buyer and attempted to steal a Porsche Cayenne using an imitation firearm, has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

Mr Oyedeji, 19, of Leonard Robbins Path, Greenwich, was sentenced Thursday at Inner London Crown Court after Met Detectives linked him to the robbery through mobile phone data and CCTV footage.

Mr Oyedeji had arranged to meet his victim at their home address in Southwark on Tuesday, 18 March 2025, after seeing a listing for the £72,500 car online.

The victim showed Mr Oyedeji around the car, before the pair got into the front seats to discuss a possible sale, where Mr Oyedeji produced what appeared to be a firearm.

He pointed it at the victim and demanded the keys, but the victim bravely fought back before Mr Oyedeji got out of the car and ran away.

Police quickly arrived on the scene after the victim called 999, and officers launched an extensive investigation immediately—gathering dashcam footage, CCTV evidence and mobile phone data that linked Mr Oyedeji to the offence.

Detectives established that the phone used to arrange the viewing was connected to Oyedeji and had been in the vicinity of both his home address and the scene of the attempted robbery.

CCTV footage captured his movements immediately before and after the offence, while officers recovered clothing that matched what the suspect wore when arrested.

He was arrested at his home address within 38 hours of the offence being committed— on March 20.

Detective Alex Long, who led the investigation, said, “The victim showed immense courage by refusing to hand over his keys despite being threatened with what appeared to be a genuine firearm.

“Thanks to his support throughout the investigation and the diligence of officers who gathered CCTV, digital and forensic evidence, we were able to build a compelling case that led to Oyedeji’s conviction and sentence.

“Anyone buying or selling a vehicle privately should take sensible precautions. If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and leave. Always call 999 in an emergency. We remain committed to tackling robbery and violent crime across London and bringing offenders to justice.”

Mr Oyedeji was convicted on August 12 for both attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence. Following a trial at Inner London Crown Court, a jury unanimously found Mr Oyedeji guilty after just 26 minutes of deliberation.