Nigerian descent radical islamist Michael Adebowale charged with the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby has arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The Metropolitan Police said it had charged 22-year-old Michael Adebowale following his release from hospital after authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

He had been questioned by officers during the day on Wednesday.

Michael Adebowale is charged with the murder of the soldier, who died of multiple incised wounds, as well as the possession of a firearm – a 9.4mm KNIL Model 91 revolver.

Adebowale was injured when he and his alleged co-accomplice Michael Adebolajo, 28, were shot by officers at the scene of the attack in southeast London.

Adebolajo remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Sue Hemming, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism Division, said: ‘Crown prosecutors have been working with the investigators of Counter Terrorism Command since the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby on 22 May.

‘Following the release of Michael Adebowale from hospital, we have authorised the police to charge him with the murder of Drummer Rigby.

‘We have also authorised police to charge him with possession of a firearm, contrary to section 16A of the Firearms Act 1968.

‘There is sufficient evidence to prosecute Michael Adebowale and it is in the public interest to do so.’

She added: ‘This man is now charged with serious criminal offences and he has the right to a fair trial.

‘It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice this trial.’

The CPS said the weapon was a 9.4mm Dutch calibre KNIL model 91 revolver.

Adebowale and Michael Adebolajo were both shot in the wake of the brutal murder near Woolwich barracks, south-east London.

Adebowale was discharged from hospital and taken into police custody yesterday, while Adebolajo remains in hospital.

Several suspects have been arrested during the last week.

Last night, the CPS said it was continuing to advise police in relation to the other suspects arrested during their investigation into Drummer Rigby’s death.

The fiancee of Drummer Rigby said she was ‘devastated’ by his loss and has been moved by all the tributes to a ‘great man’.

Aimee West released a short statement through Scotland Yard to say: ‘I am devastated by the loss of Lee who was a loving fiance.

‘I am extremely proud of him and I am moved by all the flowers and tributes, and that he has been remembered by the nation as the great man that he was.’

Piles of floral tributes have been left near the murder scene.

Earlier, detectives issued a new appeal for information at the scene as it was confirmed that the soldier died from multiple stab wounds.

Handcuffed Adebowale, wearing a grey sweater and white trousers, was told that he did not need to stand up in the dock because he was injured after being shot by police.

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing, and will next appear at the Old Bailey on June 3.

Adebowale, who limped as he approached his position in the glass dock, held his right hand close to his body.

Chief magistrate Howard Riddle told the defendant he was not required to stand due to his injuries.

Asked to confirm his name, address and date of birth, Adebowale calmly replied: “Yes.”

Bethan David, specialist prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) counter-terrorism division, told the court the charges fell under the jurisdiction of terrorism legislation.

Drummer Rigby, 25, was murdered near Woolwich barracks in southeast London last week.

A post-mortem examination found that the soldier’s cause of death was multiple cut and stab wounds. An inquest will be formally opened on Friday.

 

[adrotate banner=”61″]