Woolwich suspect Adebolajo: 'Call me Mujahid Abu Hamza'

One of two men in court over Lee Rigby's murder kisses Koran and asks to be known by new name

ONE kissed a copy of the Koran, pointed at the sky and asked to be called Mujahid Abu Hamza, while the other spoke only to confirm his name.

Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, the two men accused of the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby outside Woolwich Barracks on 22 May, were both remanded in custody after making separate court appearances today.

Adebolajo appeared before Westminster magistrates holding a copy of the Koran and telling the bench he wished to be known as Mujahid Abu Hamza. Wearing a white T-shirt and white trousers, he smiled and blew a kiss to a man in the public gallery before they both pointed at the sky, reports the BBC.

Adebolajo is also charged with the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm, a 9.4mm KNIL Model 91 revolver. He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey within 48 hours.

When he was asked to stand, Adebolajo said: "May I ask why? May I ask why?" When told it was customary, he replied: "I want to sit."
At the end of the hearing, he told Deputy Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot: "I would like to alleviate the pain, if I may." He then kissed his copy of the Koran and raised his arm in the air.

Adebowale, of Greenwich, south-east London, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from Belmarsh Prison and spoke only to confirm his name. He will come before the same court on 28 June when he will face the same firearms charges as Adebolajo.

Meanwhile, David Cameron was expected to make a statement about the murder of Drummer Rigby to the Commons this afternoon when MPs return from their half-term break. ·
High profile: Adebolajo, 28, who was inside this van, is accused of a series of crimes linked to Drummer Rigby