KOCHI: A special NIA court in Ernakulam has convicted Shaibu Nihar alias Abu Mariyam, who was arrested by the NIA in a case pertaining to working with the terrorist organization ISIS. He confessed to the crime during the trial. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on September 19.

Shaibu, who ran an advertising company in Bahrain, attended training classes conducted by ISIS at the Al Ansar Salafi Center there. Eight of the 12 Malayalis who participated with him later went to Syria and joined ISIS. Shaibu crossed into Qatar when he was about to be arrested in Bahrain. The NIA also found that he had started an advertising company and continued his ties with ISIS. According to the charge sheet filed by the National Investigation Agency in the court, he collected funds for the activities of ISIS and transferred the money to other accused who were aiming to go to Syria.

On November 6, 2017, Malappuram Vandoor Police identified the Malayalees including Shaibu Nihar who participated in the training classes in Bahrain and registered a case against them. A case registered under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (UAPA) was later handed over to the National Investigation Agency. He was arrested on April 9, 2019 in a case registered by NIA on June 1, 2018. Shaibu, who arrived in Kerala from Qatar, was arrested at the Karipur airport.

Charges upheld by the court

Offences under the Indian Penal Code such as conspiracy and waging war with Asian countries friendly to India. The offences under UAPA include membership in a terrorist organization, providing support and aid to a terrorist organization and raising funds for terrorist activities.