Men jailed for over 26 years for Hoddesdon kidnap and robbery of teenager
Fourth suspect to be sentenced in December
Last updated 26th Oct 2026
Three men have received prison sentences totalling over 26 years for their involvement in the kidnap and robbery of a 19-year-old man in Hoddesdon in October 2022.
A fourth man, Jordan Kibuka, aged 27, has pleaded guilty to robbery, kidnap and conspiracy to transfer criminal property offences and is due to be sentenced in December.
In a court appearance at St Albans Crown Court on 16th October, Peter Eduardo, 34, was sentenced to 15 years for robbery and six years for kidnap, served concurrently. Eduardo was convicted following a retrial in July.
Romario Melhado, aged 30, received a 10-year and 11-month sentence for robbery after pleading guilty during his trial in October 2025.
Dariah Carby, 23, from Weybourne Road, was previously sentenced to two months' imprisonment for conspiracy to transfer criminal property.
The court heard that around 5am on 23rd October 2022, the 19-year-old victim was ambushed outside his Hoddesdon home by masked men.
They took a Rolex watch, rings, and forced the victim into his flat where they stole items worth around £115,000, including cash and luxury goods. The attackers then forced the victim into a car boot and drove off.
Upon arrival in Enfield, the victim was coerced into giving access to his bank account before he was released to find his own way home.
Hertfordshire Constabulary's East CID launched an investigation, gathering evidence such as the recovery of a Toyota Prius believed to be involved. Financial data linked Carby, while other inquiries connected Kibuka, Eduardo, and Melhado to the crime.
Detective Constable Edward Law from East CID stated: “I welcome the significant sentences handed down by the judge, which reflect the seriousness of these offences. This was a planned, coordinated and targeted robbery."
Law also emphasised the importance of public caution in sharing information online that might make them targets for crime.
The investigation has led to the conviction of dangerous offenders, protecting communities from threats to safety.