Man who looted shops during riots was 'follower,' court hears

A young man who looted three shops during the Dublin riots has admitted his role, with the court hearing he was a "follower" who entered stores after the initial break-ins. Faraj Odukoya, aged 20, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary that occurred on November 23, 2023.

Detective Garda Aoife Farrelly informed Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that Odukoya was not involved in the initial breach of Lifestyle Sports and two Footlocker stores on Mary Street and O'Connell Street. However, he was among those who entered the premises afterward and took items. While the exact value of Odukoya's specific takings could not be determined, he was observed carrying two boxes of Nike runners and spent approximately five to six minutes inside the shops.

The court was presented with the significant financial losses incurred by the businesses: Footlocker on O’Connell Street lost over €435,200, the Mary Street Footlocker store approximately €323,000, and Lifestyle Sports suffered a total loss of €313,990.

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not a leader, but a follower

Odukoya was identified by gardaí through CCTV footage during their investigation in 2025. During his interview, nothing of evidential value was recovered. Detective Garda Farrelly confirmed to Judge Martin Nolan that authorities were satisfied Odukoya acted as a "follower" rather than a leader during the looting incidents. Odukoya's prior convictions include offenses related to road traffic, public order, and drugs.

His defense counsel, Eoin Lawlor SC, stated that Odukoya entered an early guilty plea and that opportunism was his primary motivation. Odukoya is currently in custody and awaiting sentencing next month for a separate matter. Judge Nolan adjourned the current case, noting that the court would consider the principles of totality and proportionality when imposing a sentence, taking into account the facts of the separate case scheduled for hearing next month.

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opportunism was the primary motivator for this offending