Abdullah Yousef, 24, denies terrorism charges after prosecutors told Birmingham Crown Court he owned a Telegram group where Islamic State material was shared. Investigators say the group contained thousands of photos and videos, and that a 15-page document on his phone described how to build an explosive vest using shrapnel. Prosecutors pointed to messages in which he allegedly expressed support for IS and willingness to join fighters abroad; Yousef was arrested in December 2025 and has largely remained "no comment" in police interviews. The trial is ongoing.
Man Accused Of Islamic State Links Had Suicide-Vest Instructions On Phone, Court Told
Abdullah Yousef appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday [PA Media]
A 24-year-old man accused of belonging to the so-called Islamic State (IS) had instructions on his phone about how to build suicide vests, Birmingham Crown Court heard.
Court Hears Details Of Alleged Telegram Group
Prosecutors told jurors that Abdullah Yousef, of Galapagos Grove in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, created a Telegram group in May 2024 where IS material was allegedly shared and where he was listed as the group's owner. The court was told the group contained more than 7,000 photographs, about 21,000 videos and roughly 270 links.
Allegations Against The Defendant
Yousef, 24, denies charges that include membership of a proscribed organisation, acquiring information likely to be useful to a terrorist, and six counts of disseminating terrorist publications.
Evidence Presented
The prosecution said investigators found a 15-page document in a Telegram data folder on Yousef’s phone that described how to construct an explosive vest and recommended using shrapnel to increase casualties. An explosives expert who examined the document described the guidance as "credible and potentially of use to someone preparing an improvised explosive device".
Prosecutors also said messages allegedly sent by Yousef included a link to a video explaining how to make explosive belts and vests. Other material shown to the court included a video about bomb-making and IS publications discussing the use of knives and vehicles in attacks.
Alleged Statements And Intent
In one alleged exchange, when asked whether he would travel to Africa to join the "soldiers of Dawla (IS)", Yousef reportedly replied: "Yes… there is empowerment, they have power in Mozambique". Prosecutor Frederick Hookway told jurors this appeared to express enthusiasm for potentially travelling to join IS fighters.
Hookway told the court there was "little interpretation needed" of an alleged Facebook message in which Yousef said: "You know that I support Isis" and "By the way I am a terrorist".
Arrest And Defence Position
Yousef was arrested in December 2025 following a counter-terrorism investigation. During police interviews he largely answered "no comment". Prosecutors say he deliberately accessed and shared extremist publications and sympathised with IS; the defence may argue he viewed material out of curiosity.
Trial Status
The trial is ongoing. HM Courts & Tribunals Service is listed as a source of court information.
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