Fallowfield student convicted of preparing an act of terrorism

A STUDENT has been convicted after acting as a communications conduit for a group of men who travelled abroad to commit acts of terrorism.

Abdullahi Ahmed Jama Farah, 20, was found guilty of two counts of preparing an act of terrorism on Thursday, February 11 at a trial held at the Old Bailey.

In 2013, a group of close friends travelled abroad to engage in acts of terrorism, with one travelling to Somalia and the others to Syria.

Whilst the men were abroad, Abdullahi Ahmed Jama Farah, who lived in Fallowfield, provided them with new contact numbers, keeping tabs on their progress and passing on updates.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Mole, head of the North West Counter Terrorism Unit said: “Jama was very much a key part of the communication between this group of friends who had gone abroad with the intention of committing acts of terrorism.

“By regularly providing them with new contact details and updates on each other he supported their efforts to evade authorities and continue their extremist lifestyles.

“Although he may not have been there committing these acts himself, his actions helped facilitate what they were doing and I hope his conviction will send a message to all those who are even considering offering a helping hand to terrorists.”

Any suspicious activity or behaviour can be reported to police via the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline by calling 0800 789 321. Extremist or terrorist content online can be reported at www.gov.uk/report-terrorism.