Babafemi, 33, also known as “Ayatollah Mustapha’’, was arraigned on a four-count charge of indictment, conspiracy, providing material support to AQAP, and use of firearms.
He allegedly provided the support to the group in the Arabian Peninsula, the terrorist organisation’s Yemen-based affiliate.
A local media stated that between January 2010 and August 2011, Babafemi travelled twice from Nigeria to Yemen to train with leaders of al Qaeda, known as AQAP.
According to the media, a statement by U.S. prosecutors said that he helped AQAP’s media operations, including the publication of its magazine, called “Inspire’’.
It said that the group’s leadership, including Anwar al-Awlaki, paid Babafemi almost $9,000 to recruit English-speaking people from Nigeria,
According to prosecutors, Awlaki, a U.S. citizen born in New Mexico, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Yemen in 2011.
Babafemi faces life in prison if convicted on firearms charges and up to 15 years in prison on the material support charges.
The media also quoted a U.S. District Judge, John Gleeson, as having ordered that Babafemi to be held without bail.
It noted that in August, a Nigerian Court granted a U.S. request for Babafemi’s extradition.
In another statement, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Loretta Lynch, said Babafemi supported al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s media, recruitment, and weapons training campaigns.
Lynch said the support was part of effort to strengthen the terrorist group’s grip on the region and extend its reach throughout the world.
“We will use every tool at our disposal to combat al Qaeda and other terrorist groups in a manner consistent with our laws,” Lynch said. (NAN) Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Extradite for what? Pls fire the terrorist. Life in prison mento is too merciful.
ReplyDeleteThe guy is not a Nigerian. Because he did evil, they've remembered his Parent country. If he had won a prize, they wouldn't.
ReplyDeleteWith that MARK on his forehead it shows that he is truly a DIE HARD fanatic. If convicted, send him to GWANTANAMO to eat" SUSSAGE ROLL"
ReplyDeleteMumu terrorist, 2morrow somebody will say it is the WEST that is causing the HATRED.
Na wa for this our Yoruba brothers, the way they are rushing into Terrorism is alarming, I cannot tell how many of them caught recently engaged in both international and national organised terrorism. Is this the reason the activities of terrorism in Nigeria has not witness strong condemnation from our western Nigeria brothers, as GEJ administration has received criticism from them? Even their so called human rights activist known in the past to be fearless in condemning killings such as being carried out by BH. Rather we hear them now only challenging govt for fighting terrorism, while keeping quiet when terrorists kill Nigerians.
ReplyDeleteDisgrace to the nation.
ReplyDeleteI trust the American System. Life without parole and he will continue to be feed like Agric chicken until he dies. Good that the law will take its course. This is the sort of people that the world does not need to be walking free in any planet.
ReplyDeleteDevil incarnate! shame to your generations for your evil act to the country instead of being a blessing but you are now a cause! rust in hell till the judgement day.
ReplyDelete