Husband Who Aided Family in Wife's Murder Over Belief of Demonic Possession Released From Prison
Mohammed Tauseef Mumtaz, serving a life sentence for the 2009 murder of his pregnant wife, Naila Mumtaz, has been released after his case was reviewed by the Parole Board.
Mohammed Tauseef Mumtaz, who was convicted of helping his family murder his six-month pregnant wife because they believed she was possessed by an evil spirit, has been released from prison. He was sentenced in 2012 to life imprisonment for the killing of 21-year-old Naila Mumtaz.
The murder occurred on July 8, 2009, at the Birmingham home Mumtaz shared with his parents. Naila had come to Britain from Pakistan in 2008 for an arranged marriage and was expecting the couple's first child at the time of her death. Her family described her as a happy and confident young woman who had been looking forward to motherhood.
Mumtaz, then 25, was convicted alongside his parents, Zia Ul-Haq and Salma Aslam, and his brother-in-law, Hammad Hassan, following a 12-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court. He was ordered to serve a minimum of 13 years and was released last year after the Parole Board recommended it.
During the trial, Mumtaz claimed Naila had exhibited behavior suggesting she was possessed by a jinn, a supernatural spirit in Islamic folklore. He stated she had attempted to harm herself and had suffocated herself. However, medical evidence indicated that Naila died from asphyxia and could not have inflicted the fatal injuries herself. Prosecutors argued that Naila had been deliberately smothered while others restrained her.
The judge, Mr. Justice Keith, noted that Naila's circumstances—being pregnant, isolated in an unfamiliar country, and with limited English—aggravated the case. He suggested that the family might have smothered her to get rid of the perceived jinn, a theory considered more plausible than one suggesting suspicion about the paternity of her unborn child.
Mumtaz, his parents, and Hassan all denied murder and manslaughter but were found guilty of murder. Mr. Justice Keith acknowledged that while they may not have intended to kill Naila, their actions carried the risk of serious harm. Mumtaz received a life sentence with a minimum term of 13 years. Hassan was given the same minimum term, while his parents, Zia Ul-Haq and Salma Aslam, were each ordered to serve at least 15 years.
Mumtaz, who has a significant physical disability, was housed with his father in prison to receive support. Upon sentencing, he required assistance to leave the dock. Detective Inspector Simon Astle of West Midlands Police described the case as tragic and deeply upsetting.
As a life prisoner, Mumtaz remains on license and can be recalled to prison if he violates the conditions. A Parole Board spokesperson confirmed his release, stating that decisions are based on public risk assessment and manageability in the community. The panel reviewed extensive evidence, including details of the crime and evidence of behavioral change, as well as victim impact statements. The Prison Service echoed that this was an atrocious crime and stated that Mumtaz can be recalled if he breaches his licence conditions.