Manfo Asiedu, Convicted of Conspiracy to Bomb London, is Released from Prison After Serving Only Half of His Sentence Amid Public Outcry

In a shocking turn of events, a man involved in a plot to bomb London has been released from prison after serving only half of his sentence.  

Manfo Asiedu, who was arrested for his role in the failed 2005 London bombings, had initially been sentenced to 33 years in 2007 after confessing to conspiracy to cause explosions.  

The plot, which occurred just two weeks after the deadly 7/7 suicide bombings that claimed 52 lives in the capital, had aimed to cause a similar catastrophe.

Failed Bombing Attempt

On July 21, 2005, four explosive devices were planted on trains and a bus around London.  

Thankfully, the bombs did not detonate as intended.  

Instead, the home-made explosives malfunctioned, producing only fizzing and popping sounds.  

It was later discovered that errors in calculating the ratios of the bomb’s ingredients were the reason for this failure.  

Had the bombs gone off, the outcome would have been devastating.  

Manfo Asiedu, originally from Ghana, had come to the UK in 2003 using a fake passport.  

He admitted to purchasing the hydrogen peroxide used to make the bombs but claimed he had refused to go through with the attack.  

According to his account, he dumped his bomb in a West London park instead of detonating it.  

Despite this, his involvement in the plot led to a lengthy prison sentence.

Release and Deportation

Earlier this year, Asiedu was released from prison and deported to Ghana, reportedly using taxpayer money.  

It’s still unclear whether his deportation was part of a deal under the Facilitated Returns Scheme, which sometimes provides financial incentives for individuals to return to their home countries.  

News of Asiedu's early release has sparked public outrage, especially among those who remember the horrors of the 7/7 bombings.  

Tory MP Mark Francois expressed his disgust, stating that "Given the number murdered on 7/7, it's obscene that anyone involved in a similar plot should be released early, whether subsequently deported or not."  

Many share his view, seeing the decision as a miscarriage of justice.

The Fate of the Other Bombers

While Asiedu was deported, the other men involved in the failed 2005 bombing plot were not so lucky.  

Four of the main culprits—Muktar Said Ibrahim, Ramzi Mohammed, Yassin Omar, and Hussain Osman—were convicted of conspiracy to murder and sentenced to life in prison.  

They were told they must serve a minimum of 40 years behind bars for their roles in the plot.  

The Ministry of Justice has been approached for comment, but no response has been issued as of yet.