Terror threat student to be deported after jail sentence

A Nigerian Masters student who made terrorist threats against Dundee University has been jailed for 40 months.

Somtochukwu Okwuoha claimed he had enlisted Isis to help bomb the university and told staff he planned to target the city in a chemical attack.

The international energy studies student was also ordered to be deported following his release from prison.

The 26-year-old was previously found guilty of seven charges by a jury.

Sheriff William Wood told him: "Your presence in the United Kingdom is not conducive to the public good, and I make a recommendation for your deportation in due course."

The trial heard that Okwuoha came to the UK in 2021 and formed a friendship with a fellow student, who rebuffed his advances.

Sheriff Wood said: "You were abusive towards her and tried to have her removed from her university course.

"The university decided to suspend you from your course and you turned your attention towards staff.

"You threatened mass murder, terrorism, said you would plant bombs and use biological weapons."

Witnesses described how Okwuoha claimed he had a military background and was capable of making bombs and unleashing a deadly virus on the city.

Keith Mackle, 58, now a retired director of student services, told Perth Sheriff Court he became aware of "serious concerns" in the autumn of 2021.

He said staff members received emails making terrorist threats.

One said: "Expect a massive bomb explosion at the University of Dundee. I have contacted Isis terrorists to plant bombs on campus.

"I can assure you staff and students will die in great numbers. 9/11 will be a joke compared to what will happen.

"Blood will spill and flesh will be scattered."

Accommodation officer Shane Taylor told the court Okwuoha accused him of being racist and said he planned to wipe out Scottish people as revenge.

Okwuoha, a prisoner at Perth, was found guilty of threatening to murder staff at the university and commit terrorist crime between December 2021 and June 2022.

He was found guilty of threatening to commit mass murder, using biological weapons, revealing staff details to international authorities, and claiming to have planted bombs.

He was also found guilty of threatening to behead police officers and detonate bombs he had planted at Dundee University.