12 Years On: Hunt Continues for Norwegian Student’s Murder Suspect
It’s been 12 years since Norwegian student Martine Vik Magnussen was brutally killed in central London. Now, detectives are renewing their desperate plea for her suspected killer, Farouk Abdulhak, to return to the UK.
Suspect Fled UK Hours After Murder
Martine, 23, was found dead on 16 March 2008 after a night out celebrating finishing her exams. Her body was discovered hidden beneath rubble in a Westminster flat. The cause of death? Compression to the neck. She had also been raped.
Farouk Abdulhak, then 21, was swiftly identified as the prime suspect. But within hours of Martine’s murder, he vanished—fleeing first to Egypt, then Yemen.
Detectives Slam Suspect’s ‘Cowardly’ Escape
“Farouk Abdulhak has chosen to flee, chosen to hide, hoping this matter would all go away – the actions of a coward,” said Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge, who heads the investigation. “It must be clear to him now that the life he planned in the UK can never be realised while this case is unresolved.”
Partridge has urged Abdulhak to come forward. “He can never have a normal life whilst remaining wanted and in hiding. I appeal to anyone in contact with him to urge him to return and help bring justice for Martine.”
Family’s Strength Stands in Sharp Contrast
Despite the immense pain, Martine’s family have shown “dignity, resolve and courage” over the years, says Partridge. Their commitment has kept the investigation alive, even as the suspect remains at large abroad.
In 2010, a coroner ruled Martine’s death an unlawful killing, but justice remains elusive while her killer remains on the run.
Police continue to seek information on Abdulhak’s whereabouts, hoping for closure in this tragic case.
