Richile Vangu, the ringleader of a violent gang that targeted a Snapchat-advertised party in North Kilworth, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for a series of robberies and blackmail. The 20-year-old, from Southgate, London, forced victims to hand over designer clothes and transfer money into his bank account in the early hours of November 21.
Party Turned Nightmare
Vangu and his group arrived at the open party and brandished a knife, demanding valuables. Some victims were made to dance for him while another filmed the humiliation. When they said they could not each transfer the initial £1,000 demanded, Vangu ordered them to an address in Bath Lane later that day.
Several victims went to the Bath Lane property in the afternoon. While inside, Vangu fired a BB gun at them. One victim was repeatedly whipped with a belt, and others were punched repeatedly. The violence was filmed and posted on social media. The gang fled when a woman inside said police were coming.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Leicestershire Police identified Vangu through his TikTok alias 'Trixta'. He was arrested in London on November 27. Officers then arrested accomplice Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, 19, of Southwark, London, between December 3 and 15. Two other 19-year-olds were arrested but later found not guilty.
Following a trial at Leicester Crown Court, Vangu was found guilty of four counts of robbery, six counts of blackmail relating to North Kilworth, one count of causing actual bodily harm (ABH) and four counts of blackmail relating to Bath Lane. He also pleaded guilty to an additional ABH count. Akinrinola was found guilty of four robberies, six blackmails relating to North Kilworth, three blackmails and two ABHs relating to Bath Lane.
Sentencing and Justice
On Monday, July 27, Vangu was jailed for 11 years with a three-year extended sentence at Leicester Crown Court. Akinrinola received a seven-year sentence. Detective Constable Adam Battley said: “Vangu was very much the ringleader in both incidents and clearly thought he was above the law.“Thankfully his ego got the better of him and he decided to make sure videos of him committing his crimes were posted on social media – something which was key in securing the pair’s conviction at court.“I hope the victims and the wider public can take some relief that both men have now been locked up.”
