The British Muslim convert, Samantha Lewthwaite was widowed at 29 when her husband, Jermaine Lindsay committed suicide in the 7/7 terror attacks in London. She fled to Africa in 2009 with her children.
Abdi was first listed as her landlord, but there is no doubt that she is or was married to him. It is not known exactly when their marriage took place, but Lewthwaite had evidently left her old life in Britain behind by then and was deeply involved with Al Shabaab.
It is reported that Wahid was arrested in Mombassa, Kenya in 2011 after it was discovered that Lewthwaite was using their home as a possible bomb factory, but he was never charged. The same report says that Wahid, who is in his 40’s, is living freely in eastern Europe, and it is believed that he could have crucial answers to the White Widow’s whereabouts. He could most likely also have information on her motives and contacts with the extremist network.
The search for Samantha AKA the White Widow, who converted to Islam as a schoolgirl, has been highly intensified as it is believed that she was involved with the deadly attack at the Kenya Mall which left at least 67 fatalities. She is now the most wanted woman in the world.
Investigators are puzzled by Wahid’s relationship with Lewthwaite given that he was in military service to his country and also served as a private security officer guarding westerners from attacks by the Taliban. It has been said that he also has another wife living in Mombasa.
What information will Abdi Wahid give up when he is found? Is he still in contact with his wife, does he know where she is? Hopefully, these questions and more will be answered soon, so that there will be one less threat to the world.
Join the Conversation