Latest news with #MohammedKadir
The Guardian
6 days ago
- The Guardian
Police made ‘serious blunder' in lead-up to Rochdale Islamic State plot, inquiry finds
A 'serious blunder' led to missed opportunities to disrupt a plot by Islamic State extremists to murder an imam in Greater Manchester, a public inquiry has found. Jalal Uddin, 71, was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in a public park in Rochdale by Mohammed Kadir, then aged 24, because he practised a form of Islamic healing known as ruqyah that the terrorist group regarded as blasphemous and 'black magic'. Kadir, from Oldham, fled to Syria after the February 2016 killing. His getaway driver, Mohammed Syeedy, a former Manchester United steward, was later jailed for life for the murder. A third man, Mohammed Syadul Hussain, was jailed for five years for helping Kadir leave the UK days after the killing. The public inquiry, chaired by Thomas Teague KC, involved both public and private 'closed' hearings, to protect national security. The public report, released before parliament on Thursday, found all three men had previously come to the attention of the police. It highlighted that Kadir was known to counter-terrorism police at the time of Uddin's murder and had been identified as a person of high risk. Although the need for a targeted police investigation into Kadir's activities had been recognised by December 2015, the necessary steps including the appointment of a senior investigating officer (SIO) were not implemented. The former detective inspector Frank Morris, who retired from Greater Manchester police (GMP) in 2021, told the inquiry an investigation into Hussain had been closed down prematurely two years before the murder. The report said the failure to appoint an SIO led to two 'missed opportunities'. The first was that Kadir's Facebook posts of September 2015 might have been scrutinised by police; he had described imams like Uddin as 'dirty kufr people' and vowed to 'take this on' to 'paralyse them'. The report said the second missed opportunity was that other police investigative actions concerning Kadir might have detected and thwarted the murder plot.
BBC News
6 days ago
- BBC News
Imam's murder by terror group could have been stopped, report says
A "serious blunder" led to missed opportunities to disrupt a plot by Islamic State extremists to kill an Imam, a public inquiry has Jalal Uddin, 71, was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in a Rochdale park by Mohammed Kadir in February 2016 because Mr Uddin practised a form of Islamic healing the terror group regarded as "black magic".A report from a public inquiry into the incident found all three men convicted after the murder had previously come to the attention of the police. It also found Kadir, then aged 24, was known to Counter Terrorism Police at the time of Mr Uddin's murder and had been identified as a person of high risk and significant concern. Kadir, from Oldham, fled to Syria after the murder but his getaway driver, Mohammed Syeedy, 21, a former Manchester United steward and charity worker from Rochdale, was jailed for life for the murder. Both had been consumed by hatred of Mr Uddin after becoming supporters of Islamic State (IS), Syeedy's trial heard. Kadir's whereabouts are still unknown. A third man, Mohammed Syadul Hussain, who had already come under police scrutiny after his nephew, aged eight, went into school saying he wanted to join the Taliban, was jailed for five years for helping Kadir leave the UK days after the report the need for a targeted police investigation into Kadir's activities had been recognised by December the steps necessary to set up such an investigation, including the appointment of a senior investigating officer (SIO) to head it, were not taken.A potential appointee was identified within the North West Counter Terrorism Unit (NWCTU), but he was not put in a position to take up Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) duties. This was for reasons beyond the control of that officer and the NWCTU, the report found. The exact details of what happened has not been made report by His Honour Thomas Teague KC found this failure "amounted to a serious blunder" and led to the loss of two chances "to detect or disrupt the activities of Kadir and Syeedy" before the murder. "Above all, I extend my condolences to Mr Uddin's family and friends," he said. 'Serious mistakes' The inquiry's findings say the investigations into the activities of Kadir and Hussain before the murder of Jalal Uddin were hampered by "serious mistakes".Former detective inspector Frank Morris, who retired from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in 2021, told the inquiry an investigation into Hussain had been closed down prematurely two years before the the failure to appoint an SIO led to the two "missed opportunities".The first was that Kadir's Facebook posts of September 2015, which were captured by police but not reviewed before the murder, might have been social media post had described Imams like Mr Uddin as "dirty kufr people" and vowed to "take this on" to "paralyse them" and asked for prayers, "that we do not get caught".The report found the second missed opportunity was that even if the plot itself had not been detected through analysis of the Facebook posts, other police investigative actions concerning Kadir might have detected the actions could have even disrupted it, if only incidentally, the report found. A month before the killing, intelligence suggested that Kadir had access to openly available extremist literature, including bomb-making manuals and other material providing instructions on how to undertake violent report added: "The failure to make a prompt and effective appointment of an SIO thus led to the irretrievable loss of opportunities which, had they been acted upon, might have prevented the murder of Jalal Uddin." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Sky News
6 days ago
- Sky News
'Serious blunder' led to missed chances to stop Rochdale imam's murder, inquiry finds
A "serious blunder" by officials meant they failed to disrupt a murder plot against an imam by Islamic State (IS) extremists, an inquiry has found. Father-of-seven Jalal Uddin, 71, was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in Rochdale in February 2016 by Mohammed Kadir, who believed the imam was involved in a form of "black magic". Kadir, then 24 and a former call-centre worker from Oldham, fled to Syria, but his getaway driver, former Manchester United steward Mohammed Syeedy, 21 at the time and from Rochdale, was jailed for life in 2016. A third man, Mohammed Syadul Hussain, 21 and also from Rochdale, was jailed in 2017 for five years for helping Kadir leave the UK. A report from a public inquiry into the incident found all three men had previously come to the attention of the police and counter terrorism officers, but investigations into Kadir and Hussain were hampered by "serious mistakes". The exact details of what happened have not been made public, and reporters were barred from some of the inquiry's hearings to protect national security. A report from His Honour Thomas Teague KC, who chaired the inquiry, said: "In summary, my conclusion is that this failure, the detailed consequences of which I have traced in my closed report, amounted to a serious blunder that led to the loss of two opportunities to detect or disrupt the activities of Kadir and Syeedy before Mr Uddin was murdered." During Syeedy's trial, the prosecution said Mr Uddin's killers had grown to hate him because he practised a type of religious healing, considered by supporters of IS to be a form of "black magic" and punishable by death. 2:00 The inquiry found Kadir was known to Counter Terrorism Police at the time of Mr Uddin's murder, and by the end of October 2015 had been identified as a person of high risk and significant concern. But while it was recognised that his activities needed a targeted police investigation, action was not taken. Former detective inspector Frank Morris, who retired from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in 2021, told the inquiry an investigation into Hussain had been closed down prematurely two years before the murder. Later, the failure to appoint a senior investigating officer (SIO) led to the two "missed opportunities". The first related to Kadir's Facebook posts, which were captured by police but not reviewed before the murder, in which he described imams like Mr Uddin - originally from Bangladesh - as "dirty kufr people" and vowed to "take this on" to "paralyse them". Secondly, just a month before the killing, intelligence suggested Kadir had access to openly available extremist literature about bomb-making and violent jihad. The report adds: "The failure to make a prompt and effective appointment of an SIO thus led to the irretrievable loss of opportunities which, had they been acted upon, might have prevented the murder of Jalal Uddin." Kadir's whereabouts are unknown. Syeedy is still serving his life sentence.
The Independent
6 days ago
- The Independent
‘Serious blunder' over Islamic State murder of Rochdale Imam
A 'serious blunder' by counter terror police led to missed opportunities to disrupt a plot by Islamic State extremists to kill a Rochdale Imam, a public inquiry has found. Highly respected Jalal Uddin, 71, was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in a public park by Mohammed Kadir, then aged 24, because he practised a form of Islamic healing the terror group regarded as 'black magic'. Kadir, from Oldham, fled to Syria afterwards but his getaway driver, Mohammed Syeedy, 21, a former Manchester United steward and charity worker from Rochdale, was jailed for life for the murder on February 18 2016. A third man, Mohammed Syadul Hussain, who had already come under police scrutiny after his nephew, aged eight, went into school saying he wanted to join the Taliban, was jailed for five years for helping Kadir leave the UK days after the killing. A public inquiry was held, chaired by His Honour Thomas Teague KC, which involved both public and private 'closed' hearings, to protect national security. Both a public and 'closed' report, not made public has now been released. The public report, laid before Parliament today, found all three men convicted after the murder had previously come to the attention of the police, and highlights that Mohammed Kadir was known to Counter Terrorism Police at the time of Mr Uddin's murder and by the end of October 2015 had been identified as a person of high risk and significant concern. Although the need for a targeted police investigation into his activities had been recognised by December 10 2015, the steps necessary to set up such an investigation, including the appointment of a senior investigating officer (SIO) to head it, were not taken. The report states that a potential appointee was identified within North West Counter Terrorism Unit (NWCTU), however for reasons beyond the control of that officer and of NWCTU, the steps necessary to place him in a position to take up the duties of an SIO were not taken. The exact details of what happened has not been made public. Judge Teague's report adds: 'In summary, my conclusion is that this failure, the detailed consequences of which I have traced in my closed report, amounted to a serious blunder that led to the loss of two opportunities to detect or disrupt the activities of Kadir and Syeedy before Mr Uddin was murdered. 'Above all, I extend my condolences to Mr Uddin's family and friends.' The reason for the killing was that Mr Uddin practised a form of healing, known as ruqyah, which they regarded as blasphemous and his murder was a message that such practices would not be tolerated. The inquiry's findings say the investigations into the activities of Kadir and Hussain before the murder of Jalal Uddin were hampered by 'serious mistakes'. Former detective inspector Frank Morris, who retired from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in 2021, told the inquiry an investigation into Hussain had been closed down prematurely two years before the murder. Later, the failure to appoint an SIO led to the two 'missed opportunities'. The first was that Kadir's Facebook posts of September 2015 might have been scrutinised. They were captured by police but not reviewed before the murder. Kadir's social media post had described Imams like Mr Uddin as 'dirty kufr people' and vowed to 'take this on' to 'paralyse them' and asked for prayers, 'that we do not get caught'. The report says the second missed opportunity was that even if the plot itself had not been detected through close analysis of the Facebook posts, other police investigative actions concerning Kadir might havedetected the plot or, even if only incidentally, disrupted it. Just a month before the killing, intelligence suggested that Kadir had access to openly available extremist literature, including bomb-making manuals and other material providing instructions on how to undertake violent jihad. The report adds: 'The failure to make a prompt and effective appointment of an SIO thus led to the irretrievable loss of opportunities which, had they been acted upon, might have prevented the murder of Jalal Uddin.' Kadir's exact whereabouts are unknown. The former call-centre worker is believed to have fled to Syria and it is not known if he is still alive. Syeedy is still serving his life sentence. Both had been consumed by hatred of Mr Uddin after becoming supporters of Islamic State (IS), Syeedy's trial heard. Father-of-seven Mr Uddin, from Bangladesh, was a 'gentle, well-respected man' whose funeral in Rochdale was attended by 2,000 locals.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
‘Serious blunder' over Islamic State murder of Rochdale Imam
A 'serious blunder' by counter terror police led to missed opportunities to disrupt a plot by Islamic State extremists to kill a Rochdale Imam, a public inquiry has found. Highly respected Jalal Uddin, 71, was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in a public park by Mohammed Kadir, then aged 24, because he practised a form of Islamic healing the terror group regarded as 'black magic'. Kadir, from Oldham, fled to Syria afterwards but his getaway driver, Mohammed Syeedy, 21, a former Manchester United steward and charity worker from Rochdale, was jailed for life for the murder on February 18 2016. A third man, Mohammed Syadul Hussain, who had already come under police scrutiny after his nephew, aged eight, went into school saying he wanted to join the Taliban, was jailed for five years for helping Kadir leave the UK days after the killing. A public inquiry was held, chaired by His Honour Thomas Teague KC, which involved both public and private 'closed' hearings, to protect national security. Both a public and 'closed' report, not made public has now been released. The public report, laid before Parliament today, found all three men convicted after the murder had previously come to the attention of the police, and highlights that Mohammed Kadir was known to Counter Terrorism Police at the time of Mr Uddin's murder and by the end of October 2015 had been identified as a person of high risk and significant concern. Although the need for a targeted police investigation into his activities had been recognised by December 10 2015, the steps necessary to set up such an investigation, including the appointment of a senior investigating officer (SIO) to head it, were not taken. The report states that a potential appointee was identified within North West Counter Terrorism Unit (NWCTU), however for reasons beyond the control of that officer and of NWCTU, the steps necessary to place him in a position to take up the duties of an SIO were not taken. The exact details of what happened has not been made public. Judge Teague's report adds: 'In summary, my conclusion is that this failure, the detailed consequences of which I have traced in my closed report, amounted to a serious blunder that led to the loss of two opportunities to detect or disrupt the activities of Kadir and Syeedy before Mr Uddin was murdered. 'Above all, I extend my condolences to Mr Uddin's family and friends.' The reason for the killing was that Mr Uddin practised a form of healing, known as ruqyah, which they regarded as blasphemous and his murder was a message that such practices would not be tolerated. The inquiry's findings say the investigations into the activities of Kadir and Hussain before the murder of Jalal Uddin were hampered by 'serious mistakes'. Former detective inspector Frank Morris, who retired from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in 2021, told the inquiry an investigation into Hussain had been closed down prematurely two years before the murder. Later, the failure to appoint an SIO led to the two 'missed opportunities'. The first was that Kadir's Facebook posts of September 2015 might have been scrutinised. They were captured by police but not reviewed before the murder. Kadir's social media post had described Imams like Mr Uddin as 'dirty kufr people' and vowed to 'take this on' to 'paralyse them' and asked for prayers, 'that we do not get caught'. The report says the second missed opportunity was that even if the plot itself had not been detected through close analysis of the Facebook posts, other police investigative actions concerning Kadir might havedetected the plot or, even if only incidentally, disrupted it. Just a month before the killing, intelligence suggested that Kadir had access to openly available extremist literature, including bomb-making manuals and other material providing instructions on how to undertake violent jihad. The report adds: 'The failure to make a prompt and effective appointment of an SIO thus led to the irretrievable loss of opportunities which, had they been acted upon, might have prevented the murder of Jalal Uddin.' Kadir's exact whereabouts are unknown. The former call-centre worker is believed to have fled to Syria and it is not known if he is still alive. Syeedy is still serving his life sentence. Both had been consumed by hatred of Mr Uddin after becoming supporters of Islamic State (IS), Syeedy's trial heard. Father-of-seven Mr Uddin, from Bangladesh, was a 'gentle, well-respected man' whose funeral in Rochdale was attended by 2,000 locals.
