Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche
The mastermind of the Nyanya bomb blast who is presently in military custody after being captured by the Sundan interpol in an attempt to escape on Tuesday, May, 2014 has always been known for his radical beliefs while studying Business science at the University of Glamorgan now University of South Wales from 2007 to 2010 in Pontyridd.
According to reports, the suspect even nicknamed himself ‘The Lion of God’ during his stay in Britain and even threatened to mutilate innocent people whom he felt were ‘non-believers’ .
Ogwuche was an active student while in school. He was a member of the university’s debating society and wrote on an online professional profile but did not complete it : “I used to be in the military back at home and my goal now is to be a successful businessman” .
He was also a member of the campus prayer group.
People who knew him back then in school have expressed their shock to find out about his major involvement in the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls and the Nyanya bomb blast in Nigeria.
Mustafa Ja, a Dutch student who studied with him at the university from 2009 to 2011 said,: “I’m shocked. Wow, I’m just really shocked. I used to meet him during Friday prayers and whenever we broke our fast at the mosque on campus.
“He didn’t seem to have any extremist views then – police officers would come and visit the prayer room regularly, so I don’t see how he could.”
A former house mate in school said: “I find it very creepy that Ogwuche may have become caught up in terrorism.”
Anju Moro said: “He was very devout but then many people are. He would often just spend time in his room between going to and from prayers but he seemed harmless, if very serious.
“It is very creepy that he could have been having thoughts like that but he disappeared years ago so I suppose you can never know, can you?”
While living in South Wales, posts on his Facebook page became more and more extreme. his profile picture on Facebook is that of a lion with the word “Asadullah”, meaning ‘Lion of God.’
“Those who strive in the path of Allah love death like the kuffar love life, hahaha. Let them know, we are always ready to meet our lord anytime he wills.”
“The only punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive to make mischief in the land is that they should be murdered, or crucified, or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides, or they should be imprisoned.”
Another post said: “We warn you to give up your disobedience to Allah and surrender to him or wait we bring your humiliation; then you will be regretful and on the knees.”
He is a member of Paltalk – the world’s largest online video chat community boasting more than four million members which has been abused by Muslim extremists to preach hate.
Anjem Choudary, founder of the banned group, Islam 4 UK, Omar Bakri Mohammed, who caused outrage in Britain by praising the hijackers behind the September 11, 2001 attacks and was banned from re-entering the UK in the wake of the 7/7 bombings, and Abdullah el-Faisal, who was deported in 2007, were said to have joined forces to use the site to preach their message around the world.
Ogwuche was not just posting messages of hate on his Facebook page, he was also advertising himself as a respectable business professional online where he claimed he had completed his degree course in business studies and had previously worked for the Nigerian Army’s intelligence division.
After leaving Britain in November 2011, he was arrested at Abuja airport on arrival from the UK on suspected terrorism-related activities but was released to the care of his father, a retired army colonel, following pressure from Human rights community.
Ogwuche reportedly served in the intelligence unit of the Nigerian army but deserted in 2006, according to Nigeria’s Ministry of Information.
A spokesperson for the University of South Wales said: “Aminu Ogwuche was a student at the former University of Glamorgan between 2007 and 2010 but didn’t go on to complete his studies at the university.
“The university has a strong community ethos with no history or evidence of extremist behaviour across any of its campuses; so it is surprised to hear of his apparent involvement with terrorist group, Boko Haram.
“There were no reported indications of extremist behaviour during his time as a student.
“There has been no contact between Mr Ogwuche and the University following his departure in 2010.”
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