Rapper jailed for life for IS-inspired plot

An east London man who called himself the Masked Menace has been jailed for life for plotting a terror attack during the coronavirus pandemic.

Islamic State (IS) supporter Sahayb Abu bought an 18-inch sword, a knife, balaclavas and body armour online.

The 27-year-old from Dagenham was arrested on 9 July after discussing guns with an undercover police officer.

He will serve a minimum of 19 years after being found guilty in March of preparing an act of terrorism.
He had told jurors at the Old Bailey that he bought the items to make a parody video because he had wanted to "create a rap character" that would make people "cry with laughter".

Abu said he wanted to become a successful rapper like Stormzy and posted videos online of himself rapping about bombs and eliminating opponents.

He said the name of his "persona" was the Masked Menace and that he hoped to get famous through his music and that his videos would get noticed and lead to sponsorship. pg slot

But a jury found Abu guilty after deliberating for more than 21 hours.

Abu was previously convicted of a commercial burglary in June 2018 and served his sentence at Wandsworth and High Down jails alongside inmates convicted of terrorism offences.

Abu was released from prison on 20 March last year, less than four months before his arrest.

He met the undercover officer, who was commended by Judge Mark Dennis QC, on a Telegram chat group for supporters of IS.