Fugitive terrorism suspect facing charges over breached control orders

Mohammed Ahmed Mohamed, last seen fleeing a London mosque in women’s clothing on Friday, is supposed to stand trial next year for allegedly breaching his restrictions over a near 18-month period.

Charges against the 27-year-old, who can be jailed if convicted, include attempting to access the internet without approval, possessing a digital storage device without permission and meeting a person without Home Office agreement.

A warrant was issued by Mr Justice Nicol for Mohamed’s arrest after the 27-year-old failed to attend the Old Bailey for proceedings concerning the alleged breaches. The judge lifted an anonymity order.

Mohamed’s solicitor Gareth Peirce said she had “no reason for the defendant’s non-appearance” and claimed her client was forcibly removed from Somalia to this country by British authorities and security services.

Mohamed is understood to have received training and fought overseas for al-Shabaab, the Somalia-based cell of al-Qaida that was behind the recent attack on a mall in Nairobi, Kenya, that killed at least 67. The 27-year-old, who shares links to a UK-based network with fellow absconder Ibrahim Magag, was subject to a terrorism prevention and investigation measure.

Yesterday, fears were raised that Mohamed might have a second passport after confusion emerged over his British one. Home Secretary Theresa May told MPs on Monday that officers had seized his British passport, but then corrected her statement, saying Mohamed did not have his British passport when he returned to the UK. It also emerged yesterday that he is trying to claim damages from the Government over allegations British authorities consented to – or acquiesced in – his detention and torture by the Somaliland authorities on January 14, 2011.