Mother and Daughter from East London Jailed for Funding ISIS Fighter in Syria

In a sobering turn of events, a mother and daughter duo from east London, Stella Oyella, 53, and Vanessa Atim, 32, residents of Newham, have been sentenced to jail for their involvement in funding a relative fighting for ISIS in Syria. The pair orchestrated the transfer of over £1,800 to Joseph Ogaba, who had joined ISIS in the Middle East in 2014 and tragically passed away in Syrian prison in 2022. This chilling revelation underscores the global reach of terrorism and the dire consequences of supporting such extremist activities.

The Money Trail: Unraveling the Plot

Counter-terror officers meticulously traced the flow of funds, revealing Oyella and Atim's complicity in financing Ogaba's terrorist endeavors. The funds were routed through contacts in Uganda, a calculated attempt by the pair to obfuscate their involvement. However, their efforts to evade detection were thwarted as authorities pieced together the evidence, laying bare their connection to Ogaba's nefarious pursuits.

Sentencing and Accountability

Following a trial at the Old Bailey, Oyella and Atim, Ogaba's sister and niece respectively, faced justice for their actions. Oyella received a three-year sentence, while Atim was handed a three-year and nine-month sentence. The severity of their punishment reflects the gravity of their offense and sends a clear message that those who aid and abet terrorism will be held accountable for their actions.

Law Enforcement's Vigilance

Commander Dominic Murphy, leading the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, underscored the critical role of law enforcement in combating terrorist financing. He emphasized the collaborative efforts between national and international partners to dismantle networks supporting terrorist activities. The diligent work of counter-terror officers, coupled with specialized investigative techniques, proved instrumental in bringing Oyella and Atim to justice.

A Tragic Journey: Ogaba's Path to Extremism

Joseph Ogaba's journey from north London to the battlefields of Syria serves as a stark reminder of the allure of extremist ideologies and the devastating impact they can have on individuals and families. Ogaba's decision to join ISIS, documented by a note left for his family, marked the beginning of a harrowing chapter that culminated in his demise within the confines of a Syrian prison.

Digital Evidence: Unveiling the Truth

During the trial, damning evidence emerged from digital devices seized from Atim during airport searches. Messages exchanged between Atim and Ogaba revealed