Nigerian Woman Sentenced for Assault and Theft Attempt on Train in the UK

A 35-year-old Nigerian named Gloria Makanjuola has received a prison sentence for assaulting a man while trying to steal his belongings on a Central Line train in East London, as revealed by the British Transport Police (BTP).

This information was disclosed in a statement issued on February 25, 2026.

Makanjuola, residing on Cranbrook Road in Ilford, was sentenced to nine months behind bars at Woolwich Crown Court on February 19 after she admitted to the charges of assault and attempted theft.

During court proceedings, it was stated that on March 3, 2023, shortly before midnight, the victim was on an Eastbound Central Line train to Hainault, reading a newspaper.

Makanjuola approached the victim, sat next to him, and asked for money while she started to search through his coat pocket. She took his phone, claiming she would return it in exchange for cash.

When the victim tried to retrieve his phone, Makanjuola continued to search his pocket and successfully took out his wallet, extracting £60 in cash before discarding his phone.

The victim later stated that Makanjuola was hitting him to gain control of his wallet.

In her attempt to restrain him, Makanjuola bent the victim's fingers backward. However, he managed to free himself, running down the train while snatching his phone back.

She pursued him, tackling him as the train approached Hainault Underground station.

After Makanjuola released her hold on the victim to gather her belongings and exited the station, witnesses, including railway staff and members of the public, assisted him, only for him to find that his phone was broken from the altercation.

BTP officers stationed near Hainault Underground received a report about the incident, and at 1 a.m., an officer at a nearby petrol station recognized a woman fitting Makanjuola's description.

Quickly identifying her, the officer apprehended Makanjuola in connection with the robbery.

Detective Sergeant Bronwyn Prew of the BTP remarked, "This was a targeted attack on a member of the public who was simply minding his own business, and I am pleased to see that Makanjuola has been sentenced for her aggressive behavior."

Prew emphasized, "There is no place for violence, robbery, or theft on the railway. We will continue to take action against those who attempt to exploit the railway system for criminal purposes."

She urged those witnessing or experiencing such incidents on the railway to report them promptly by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, or speaking with a member of staff to facilitate justice.