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
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.”
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
Heading 1
U.S. has spent $37.5 billion on Iran war: Hegseth
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Mr Hegseth said.
Lagos
Slain Lagos NURTW organising secretary buried amid tears
Mr Ajiboye died days after he was attacked by gunmen.
Africa
144 refugees, migrants dead, missing off Mauritania coast: UNHCR
“The refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after attempting the perilous sea journey from West Africa towards Europe,” the agency said.
World
U.S. govt condemns Ortega’s ban on elections in Nicaragua
Mr Rubio urged the international community to rise against Mr Ortega’s dictatorship.
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
