Cholo Abdi Abdullah, a 34-year-old Kenyan man, was convicted on November 4, 2024, for conspiring to execute a 9/11-style attack on a U.S. building for the terrorist group al-Shabab. A federal jury found him guilty on all six counts related to his conspiracy to hijack an aircraft and crash it into a structure. Abdullah faces a minimum of 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for March 2025. He represented himself during the trial, refraining from actively participating or contesting the prosecution’s case.
Cholo Abdi Abdullah, 28, was arrested on Monday, July 1, 2019, inside Rasca Hotel in Iba, Zambales, the Philippines. Photo credit: Pool
The FBI’s investigation revealed that Abdullah had been planning this attack for approximately four years. His arrest occurred in July 2019 while he was still training as a pilot in the Philippines. Following local charges in the Philippines, he was extradited to the United States in December 2020 to face terrorism-related charges.
During his trial, which began last week, Abdullah chose to represent himself. He refrained from delivering an opening statement and did not actively participate in questioning witnesses, seemingly adopting a passive approach throughout the proceedings. Prosecutors noted that Abdullah intended to accept whatever verdict was rendered, viewing the judicial system as illegitimate.
The case against him was bolstered by evidence of his extensive preparations for the attack. Prosecutors detailed how Abdullah had been trained in stealth operations and explosives while living in Somalia before relocating to the Philippines under the guise of pursuing a legitimate career as a pilot.
Abdullah’s conviction has drawn attention not only for the nature of his plot but also for its implications regarding global terrorism and homegrown threats. Al-Shabab has been responsible for numerous attacks both within Somalia and abroad, including high-profile incidents such as the January 2019 attack on a hotel in Nairobi that resulted in multiple fatalities.
As Abdullah awaits sentencing, scheduled for March 10, 2025, he faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison but could receive life imprisonment given the severity of his crimes. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups and their capacity to inspire individuals across borders to commit acts of terror
Cholo Abdi Abdullah’s conviction underscores the persistent dangers posed by radicalisation and terrorism. As authorities continue to monitor and address these threats, cases like Abdullah’s reveal the complex interplay between ideology and action that fuels such plots against innocent civilians.
