A Birmingham rapper has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison for a terrifying flamethrower attack on a petrol station worker, with his social media accounts remaining active following the verdict.
The Attack and Sentencing
Omar Abdirizak, who performs under the name Twista Cheese, was declared a dangerous offender at Birmingham Crown Court this week. The 32-year-old received a total sentence of eight years and nine months for his actions at the Holloway Head service station in Birmingham city centre.
The incident occurred in January when Abdirizak used an aerosol can and lighter to create an improvised flamethrower. He directed flames at a shop worker over the counter before climbing through the service window into the staff area. The court heard he warned the employee 'I'm a terrorist, I will kill you' and 'I will burn this shop and you also'.
Social Media Activity After Sentencing
Following the announcement of his sentence, an 'Official Management Announcement' appeared on Abdirizak's Instagram account, which boasts over 9,000 followers. The post confirmed his imprisonment while expressing hope for his release in 2026.
The statement urged supporters to continue streaming his music, adding: 'This is not the end - only a pause.' Subsequent posts from the account included criticism of Birmingham Live and other news outlets, along with a TikTok video featuring his custody photo.
One post addressed the petrol station incident directly, acknowledging his actions were 'unacceptable' while expressing religious faith and determination to 'come out stronger and better' after serving his time.
Background and Previous Offences
Abdirizak, from Sparkbrook, had become notorious months earlier for a viral TikTok video targeting former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson. Posted during widespread civil unrest in August 2024, the video featured shooting gestures and references to guns and artillery, accumulating millions of views.
In March, he received a 20-week custodial sentence for sending the menacing message. The petrol station attack occurred just days after he had attended Birmingham Magistrates' Court regarding that case.
The court heard that Abdirizak has an underlying diagnosis of schizophrenia and PTSD stemming from experiences in Somalia. His defence barrister, Jasvir Mann, stated that cannabis use affected his mental health issues but noted 'genuine remorse' now that Abdirizak was in a 'sensible state of mind'.
Recorder Sunil Khanna highlighted that Abdirizak had expressed 'terrorist ideologies' and displayed 'misogynist and racist views' during probation interviews. The sentence includes a six-year, nine-month custodial term plus a two-year extended licence period, with probation officers concluding he poses a high risk of harm to the public.
