Two British men charged with planning to join Islamic State and commit terrorism | UK | News

Two British men have been accused of planning to commit an act of terrorism by fleeing the UK and joining the Islamic State. Oliver William Rea, 24, of Arnold in Nottinghamshire, and Muhammad Bham, 19, of Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, are charged with preparing an act of terrorism contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Both men are British nationals and were captured following an investigation by North East Counter Terrorism Officers. Rea is also charged with three counts of disseminating terrorist publications encouraging terrorism contrary to Section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006, two counts of soliciting support for a proscribed organization such as ISIS, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000, and two counts of supporting a proscribed organization (al-Qaeda and ISIS) contrary to Section 12(1A) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The men were arrested last week as part of an intelligence-led operation supported by West Yorkshire Police, Nottinghamshire Police and East Midlands Counter Terrorism Police. On Friday, October 31, the court ordered further detention.

Rea and Bham were detained following a charge and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Thursday 6 November 2025 (via video link).