UK court sentences Imam Abdul Halim to life in prison for raping 12-year-old girls
A UK court has sentenced Imam Abdul Halim Khan to life imprisonment for the rape of women and minors.
A statement by the UK Metropolitan police said Mr Khan was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday.
Mr Khan, 54, was found guilty on Friday, February 13, of 21 sexual offences against seven victim-survivors, including nine counts of rape.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 20 years to serve.
Investigations revealed that for over 11 years, between 2004 and 2015, Mr Khan abused his position as a respected faith leader within the local community, pretending to have spiritual powers to coerce and sexually abuse girls as young as 12.
He manipulated the victims, threatening harm to their families in an attempt to continue his extensive act.
Detective Chief Inspector Jennie Ronan, whose team led the investigation into Mr Khan’s sexual abuse of women and minors, said, “Abdul Khan presented himself as a respectable man who could be trusted. However, this was far from the truth, and he instead preyed upon and took advantage of others.”
“Today, I want to focus on the victim-survivors, who have shown remarkable bravery in reporting Khan and great strength throughout the trial.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 4
Tax Ombud decries low awareness of services, plans six zonal offices, desks across 36 states
Mr Nwabueze said many Nigerians were still unaware of the office and its services.
Showbiz
Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing, Opeyemi Falegan reconcile after messy separation
The ex-lovers’ relationship drew widespread reaction in April 2022 after their separation led to disagreements and accusations.
Heading 2
NEMA receives six Nigerian U.S. returnees at Lagos airport
The agency said the returnees were received at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State.
Education
Author Foluke Falayi wins ANA award, promises expansion of children’s literature
Ms Falayi said the award strengthened her resolve to promote a reading culture in the country.
States
Two suspected robbers arrested in Bauchi
The police said they are intensifying efforts to arrest the third suspect, who remains at large, and recover the remaining stolen items.
States
Kaduna-Kano railway to be inaugurated December 3
APC Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson Dele Alake said the 203-kilometre Kaduna-Zaria-Kano railway project is about 90 per cent complete.
