Lee Rigby killer has been converting other prisoners to Islam, say intelligence officials
Adebolajo 'wielded influence' in jail
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
A Muslim extremist jailed for life after being convicted of the murder of soldier Lee Rigby is looked up to by fellow prisoners, a High Court judge has been told.
Michael Adebolajo was “charismatic” and intelligence suggested that he had helped convert other inmates to Islam, Mr Justice Langstaff heard.
Detail of the influence Adebolajo wielded in jail has emerged after he took legal action against the Ministry of Justice.
Adebolajo claims that he was injured by prison officers during an incident in a cell and wants compensation.
Mr Justice Langstaff oversaw a preliminary hearing in the case at the High Court in London on Tuesday.
He said any trial was some distance off and made an order barring prison officers involved from being identified in media reports.
Fusilier Rigby, 25, died after being attacked near Woolwich Barracks in south-east London in May 2013.
Adebolajo, who is in his early 30s, and Michael Adebowale, who is in his mid-20s, were convicted of murder following a trial at the Old Bailey.
Adebolajo was given a whole-life jail term.
Adebowale was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 45 years.
Jurors heard that they mowed down Fusilier Rigby in a car before hacking him to death.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.