Afghan asylum seekers whose case sparked 'cover up' claims deny further offences connected to rape of 12-year-old girl

Two Afghan asylum seekers, whose case sparked 'cover up' claims after their immigration status was not initially released, have denied further offences in connection with the rape of a 12-year-old girl.

Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, and Mohammad Kabir, also 23, today<Aug 28>appeared at Warwick Crown Court.

Mulakhil was charged with abducting a child, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and one additional count of rape of a child under 13. Originally he was charged with two counts of rape on 27 July.

Kabir was charged with attempting to take a child and abducting a child.

He was originally charged on August 2 with kidnap, strangulation and aiding and abetting rape of a girl under 13. The abducting a child charge replaces the charge of kidnap.

All of the other original charges still stand and all the charges relate to the same victim.

They are alleged to have raped the girl in in Nuneaton on July 22.

Both men pleaded not guilty to all charges and have been remanded in custody. A trial date has been set at the same court for 26 January 2026.

There were claims of a 'cover up' after the initial charges after it was alleged that police advised local authorities not to reveal their background amid fears of fuelling public disorder.

Sources told the Daily Mail on Sunday that Warwickshire Police advised local councillors and officials not to reveal the asylum seeker background of the two suspects, for fear of 'inflaming community tensions'.

Reform MP, Lee Anderson, its leader Nigel Farage and local councillor George Finch all accused the force of a cover up.

It was before the National Police Chief's Council (NPCC) released interim guidance urging police forces to release details of suspect's nationality and ethnicity on August 13.

However, it has been left to the Home Office to confirm immigration and asylum statuses.

But, in an open response to Councillor Finch, published on August 5, Warwickshire Police Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith, which defended his force's actions, the defendants' status as asylum seekers was confirmed.

He wrote: 'I explained the information would become public knowledge as part of the court process and that all partners must ensure we are prepared to manage any potential protest and/or disorder at that stage.'

An updated press release about today's court hearing included that the pair were Afghan nationals.

The Home Office has been asked to officially confirm their immigration status.

It is understood that Mulakhil crossed the Channel on a small boat.

He allegedly raped the victim on Cheverel Street in Nuneaton, between 8.30 – 9.45pm on Tuesday, July 22.

Kabir is accused of aiding and abetting the rape.