© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Alleged airline terrorist transferred to prison

By AP

DETROIT – An attorney for a Nigerian man charged with trying to blow up a Northwest Airlines plane near Detroit says he's been transferred to a federal prison.

Miriam Siefer says she hasn't had in-depth talk yet with Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab
since he was charged Saturday. Siefer, the chief federal defender in Detroit, called the charges serious but declined further comment.

She said Sunday he's now at a prison in Milan, about 50 miles away from Detroit, after being released from a hospital where he was treated for burns.

Siefer says she's trying to find a legal basis to oppose the government's request for a DNA sample during a hearing on Monday. Abdulmutallab won't be present at that hearing.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.