LONDON FAITH LEADER CONVICTED OF DECADES-LONG SEXUAL ABUSE USING ‘SUPERNATURAL POWERS’
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
A London-based faith leader, Abdul Halim Khan, 54, has been found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court of 21 sexual offences, including rape, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse spanning more than a decade.
Prosecutors said Khan exploited his authority at an east London mosque to manipulate seven victims—including three young teenagers—into isolated settings where the assaults occurred. Between 2004 and 2015, he allegedly used claims of “black magic” and possession by a “Jinn” to coerce victims and instil fear, ensuring their silence.
The abuse only came to light in February 2018 when Khan’s youngest victim reported the crimes to a teacher, triggering an investigation involving over 50 witnesses. Charges were filed in March 2023.
In a statement, one survivor described the lasting trauma of the abuse, detailing how it affected her trust, sense of safety, and understanding of relationships. She said the conviction offers hope and encouragement for other survivors of childhood sexual abuse, stressing that they are not to blame.
Detective Sergeant Sara Yems, who led the investigation, praised the courage of the victims. “It shows remarkable strength for anyone to report abuse, especially when the abuser is believed to be a trusted figure,” she said.
Khan has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, May 14. The Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service lauded the bravery of the women who came forward, highlighting the importance of holding abusers accountable, regardless of perceived power or influence.
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