Nigerian Student Convicted of Terrorist Threats Against UK University

A Nigerian master’s student, Somtochukwu Okwuoha, has been convicted of making terrorist threats against Dundee University in the United Kingdom.

The 26-year-old faces imprisonment and deportation after a jury found him guilty of seven charges.

Okwuoha, who was studying international energy studies, sent emails to university staff claiming he had enlisted ISIS to help bomb the university and planned to target the city in a chemical attack. He also threatened to commit mass murder on the campus, unleash a deadly virus on the city, behead police officers, and reveal staff details to international authorities.

Okwuoha accused the university staff of being racist and said he wanted to wipe out Scottish people as revenge. He also claimed he had a military background and was capable of making bombs.

The trial at Perth Sheriff Court heard that Okwuoha made the threats between December 2021 and June 2022. Witnesses described how they felt terrified and alarmed by his emails.

One of the emails said, “Expect a massive bomb explosion at the University of Dundee. I have contacted ISIS terrorists to plant bombs on campus. I can assure you staff and students will die in great numbers. 9/11 will be a joke compared to what will happen. Blood will spill and flesh will be scattered.”

Keith Mackle, the former director of student services, said he became aware of “serious concerns” in the autumn of 2021. He said the university contacted the police and the Home Office to report the threats. Accommodation officer, Shane Taylor, said Okwuoha called him a racist and said he planned to kill him and his family.

Okwuoha, who was remanded in custody, will be sentenced next month. Sheriff William Wood will also consider the Crown’s motion for an order to deport Okwuoha to Nigeria. He commended the university staff for their professionalism and courage in dealing with the situation.

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