A brand new plea to the son of a billionaire suspected of raping and murdering a Norwegian pupil in London 17 years in the past to return to the UK has been issued by the Metropolitan Police.
The physique of 23-year-old Martine Vik Magnussen was found in a Nice Portland Road basement in 2008.
The principle suspect, Farouk Abdulhak – who fled to Yemen hours after her loss of life – told the BBC in 2023 she died on account of a “intercourse accident gone incorrect”.
In Friday’s assertion, Ms Magnussen’s father and the lead detective on the case issued a contemporary attraction for Mr Abdulhak to return from Yemen, which has no extradition treaty with the UK.
A autopsy examination discovered Ms Magnussen had died from compression to her neck, and that her physique had a number of cuts and grazes.
Polices stated enquires additionally indicated she had been raped across the time of her loss of life.
Her father, Odd Petter Magnussen, stated: “For 17 years, justice has been denied as Farouk Abdulhak stays a free man in Yemen.
“Violence towards ladies and women is a disaster that impacts households worldwide and Martine’s case is a stark reminder that justice delayed is justice denied.
“Martine’s voice was silenced, however we should not be silent for her.”
Ms Magnussen and Mr Abdulhak each studied at Regent’s Enterprise College in London, and within the early hours of 14 March, 2008, have been collectively on the unique Maddox nightclub in Mayfair celebrating the top of their exams.
CCTV confirmed Martine leaving the membership with Mr Abdulhak at 02:59. Associates of hers stated Mr Abdulhak provided to host an after-party at his residence in Nice Portland Road, central London.
The Met Police launched a brand new picture of Farouk Abdulhak [Metropolitan Police]
Police discovered her physique within the basement of the residence block two days later, however the principle suspect, Mr Abdulhak, had already fled the UK. He took a business flight to Cairo, after which travelled to Yemen.
Mr Abdulhak’s father, Shaher Abdulhak, was one of many richest and strongest males in Yemen earlier than his loss of life in 2020. He had a enterprise empire constructed on sugar, smooth drinks, oil and arms, and was a detailed pal of the president on the time, Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Talking to the BBC in 2023, Mr Abdulhak stated: “I did one thing after I was youthful, it was a mistake.”
Speaking by way of textual content message, he stated: “It was simply an accident. Nothing nefarious.
“Only a intercourse accident gone incorrect.”
He added: “No-one is aware of as a result of I may barely piece collectively what occurred.”
Requested why, he replied with one phrase: “Cocaine.”
He described himself as “legally [expletive]” due to “leaving the nation and the physique was moved”.
He additionally informed the BBC: “1: I deeply remorse the unlucky accident that occurred. 2 remorse coming right here [to Yemen] ought to have stayed and paid the piper.”
His lawyer has beforehand insisted he was harmless of homicide.
“I do not suppose justice will likely be served,” Mr Abdulhak informed BBC Information correspondent Nawal Al-Maghafi in 2023 over the cellphone when requested if he would return to the UK.
“I discover that the legal justice system there [in the UK] is closely biased. I discover that they may wish to make an instance of me being a son of an Arab, being… a son of somebody wealthy… it is means too late,” Mr Abdulhak stated.
Detective Inspector Jim Barry, who’s main the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, stated the power is “as dedicated right this moment as we have been in 2008 to get justice for Martine”.
In a message directed at Mr Abdulhak, Det Insp Barry stated: “You might have been working and hiding for 17 years.
“You participated in a BBC documentary, offering your rationalization as to what occurred. It’s time to develop up and face your obligations to Martine and her household.
“Come to the UK now and clarify all to a courtroom and jury. Our pursuit of you’ll not cease.”
