Nigerians have been airing their displeasure on Adebolajo’s actions, claiming the British press only reveal a criminal’s descent but describe them as British when they win awards.
He joined several extremist groups – including Al Muhajiroun – that were banned in Britain and in 2003 converted to Islam, calling himself Mujaheed while at Marshalls Park School.
Fearing he had become radicalised, his parents moved him away from Romford to a village in Lincolnshire.
A former friend told the Evening Standard that he was a Christian. The friend said: ‘He started getting involved with Islam aged about 15 or 16, and that is why his parents moved him away out of the area. It is utterly shocking to see what he has done. It’s unbelievable.’
The security services, including MI5, were aware of him and his accomplice, who has not been named but is believed to be from Harold Hill, close to Romford.
