Nigerian Student Sentenced to Prison in the UK Over Bomb Threat to University

A Perth Sheriff Court in the United Kingdom (UK) has sentenced Somtochukwu Okwuoha, a 26-year-old Master’s student at Dundee University, Scotland, to 40 months in prison.

According to the BBC, Okwuoha, the international energy studies student, will also be deported following his release from prison.

Okwuoha, who arrived in the United Kingdom in 2021, claimed to have a military background and had enlisted the terror group Isis to help bomb the university. He told staff he planned to target the city in a chemical attack.

Okwuoha’s threats were not limited to a single institution; he explicitly targeted a UK university with plans for a bombing and conveyed his intention to unleash a chemical attack on the city. Such threats not only endanger the lives of innocent civilians but also raise questions about the effectiveness of counter-terrorism measures in place.

The severity of Okwuoha’s actions is reflected in the 40-month prison sentence handed down by the Perth Sheriff Court. Additionally, the court has decided to deport Okwuoha once he completes his prison term. This underscores the gravity with which the UK authorities are treating the case, highlighting their commitment to maintaining the safety and security of the public.

The incident involving Okwuoha brings to light the potential threats posed by individuals radicalized by extremist ideologies, even within the academic community. It raises questions about how such individuals can go undetected, emphasizing the need for robust security measures and intelligence-sharing mechanisms within educational institutions.

In light of this case, there is likely to be increased scrutiny and a reevaluation of security protocols at universities and colleges across the UK. The incident serves as a reminder that educational institutions are not immune to security threats and should be equipped with the necessary resources to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Sheriff William Wood said: “Your presence in the United Kingdom is not conducive to the public good, and I make a recommendation for your deportation in due course.”

Also, Okwuoha was said to have formed a friendship with a fellow student, who rejected his advances.

Sheriff Wood said, “You were abusive towards her and tried to have her removed from her university course.

“The university decided to suspend you from your course, and you turned your attention towards staff.

“You threatened mass murder and terrorism, saying you would plant bombs and use biological weapons.”

‘Blood will spill’
A witness, Keith Mackle, 58, now a retired director of student services, told Perth Sheriff Court he became aware of “serious concerns” in the autumn of 2021.

He said staff members received emails making terrorist threats.

One 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.”

Okwuoha, a prisoner at Perth, was found guilty of threatening to murder staff at the university and commit terrorist crime between December 2021 and June 2022.

Okwuoha was also found guilty of threatening to behead police officers and detonating bombs he had planted at Dundee University.