A father has been accused of killing his three-week-old baby boy after claiming he thought the child was the Muslim prophet Muhammad. Kadees Mohammed allegedly threw, shook, and hit baby Ibrahim at their shared home, also assaulting his wife, Mehwish Mubashir, and his mother, Raqyi Bi, with an iron when they tried to intervene. Mohammed, a 31-year-old civil servant at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, is on trial facing charges of murder, manslaughter, and wounding with intent.
During the trial in Birmingham, it was revealed that Mohammed had shown signs of mental distress leading up to the tragic incident on October 18, 2022. Neighbours described him as a devoted father, and health professionals had initially found baby Ibrahim well-cared for. However, Mohammed’s behaviour had raised concerns as he became fixated on having ADHD and struggled with sleep.
Reports indicated that Mohammed had also grappled with his sexuality, using a gay-dating app and confessing to being gay after his arrest. He had been behaving unusually, seeking repentance at the local mosque and expressing fears about death and demonic influences. The prosecution outlined how Mohammed’s actions escalated on the night of the incident, with him claiming to be the prophet Muhammad and displaying aggressive behaviour towards his family.
Neighbours intervened after hearing commotion and found Mohammed in a distressed state, repeating that his baby was the prophet. The police were called, and Mohammed was arrested, where he expressed disbelief at killing his son. The jury is tasked with determining Mohammed’s mental state at the time of the attack and whether he should be held accountable for murder, considering legal defences of insanity or diminished responsibility.
The trial continues as the court examines the tragic events that led to the death of baby Ibrahim and the injuries inflicted on his mother and grandmother. The case has shocked the community, shedding light on the complexities of mental health and domestic violence. The devastating consequences of unchecked mental distress highlight the importance of early intervention and support for individuals struggling with their mental well-being.