Imam detained in Mombasa over alleged terror links

Mombasa: An Imam who is being held over claims of religious extremism and terror links will remain in police custody for 30 days to allow investigations to be completed.

A magistrate directed that Ahmed Noor Abdullai, a former Imam at Masjid Imam Bukhari in Likoni, be detained following an application by the police.

Police are investigating Abdallai over alleged terror links. The suspect was arrested in the upmarket Kizingo estate on Tuesday as he reportedly spied on buildings.

And Wednesday, Senior Resident Magistrate Martin Kabera said: "The suspect is to be detained for 30 days at Central Police Station pending conclusion of investigations."

Investigating officer Guyo Godana said Abdullai had been expelled from the mosque after persistent extremist teachings.

"I am investigating the suspect over terror activities and extremism teachings, and would like 30 days to do that," said Godana.

The officer told court the suspect is likely to abscond trial and interfere with investigations if released.

Abdullai was arrested following a tip off from the public as he reportedly took pictures of residential buildings. Godana said the suspect was unable to explain why he was taking the pictures.

This is not the first time mosques are allegedly being used to teach radicalism. In November 2014, one man was killed as police raided Musa and Sakina mosques. The raids were prompted by reports that weapons were stored in the mosques, and that some radical youths were planning terror attacks.