British-born Boko Haram member arrested over bomb attack

Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche suspecting of co-masterminding attacks in Nigerian capital

The Telegraph, UK/May 15, 2014

By Colin Freeman

A British-born Nigerian army deserter has been arrested on suspicion of helping to mastermind a string of atrocities on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, reportedly born in Britain, was held in Sudan on an international arrest warrant.

He is wanted for questioning in connection with two recent bombings in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, that killed nearly 100 people. One, in the suburb of Nyanya, killed 75 on April 14. A second, planted just yards from the scene of the first bomb, killed 19 people on May 1.

Mr Ogwuche, who is the son of a retired Nigerian colonel, is expected to arrive under police escort by plane in the state capital, Abuja, later on Thursday. State security officers are also expected to quiz him about Boko Haram's abduction of more than 200 girls from a school in Chibok, north-east Nigeria, in mid-April. The group has demanded the release of jailed Boko Haram militants in exchange for the girls' release.

It is understood that Mr Ogwuche originally served in an intelligence unit of the Nigerian army before deserting in 2006. He visited Britain as recently as 2011, and was previously questioned on suspicion of terrorism links upon his return to Abuja in November that year. However, he was then released on bail to his father.

News of his arrest is the first indication of any kind of direct link between Boko Haram and Britain, which has a large Nigerian diaspora community.

In a recent video address, terrorist sect Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the April bombing, mockingly calling it “a minor incident” and promising more deadly assaults in the future.

Mr Ogwuche was traced to Sudan after a reward of almost £100,000 was put up, according to local media sources.

To see more documents/articles regarding this group/organization/subject click here.