Murder of Martine Vik Magnussen

Magnussen was last seen alive sometime between 0200 and 0300 GMT on 14 March at the Maddox nightclub in London's wealthy Mayfair district, more than a mile from the basement where her body was found. The club's official website states that since its opening, it has been London's hottest member's club, attracting everyone from P Diddy to Keira Knightley.[5] Friends reported Magnussen missing to police on 15 March.[4] Police appealed for a man of Arab appearance, who Magnussen is believed to have left the club with, to come forward.

In early April 2008, it was still unknown when Magnussen's body was to be returned to Norway from London, UK,[6] but in late April it was known that the body was being returned, and a funeral was to be held in Asker, off Oslo in April/May 2008.[7]

As of March 2016, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge of the Metropolitan Police Service's Homicide & Major Crime Commend has said:

This case is still very much a live investigation. Farouk Abdulhak remains wanted for the rape and murder of Martine Vik Magnussen. Farouk Abdulhak has known for the past eight years now that he is wanted for the rape and murder of Magnussen. There have been extensive diplomatic efforts made over this time to return him to the UK, to no avail. This anniversary should serve as a further reminder that he cannot put this behind him, it will not go away and I appeal to him and those close to him to advise him to return to the UK to stand trial.[8]

Scotland Yard wishes to question the man that Magnussen left the club with on the night she was murdered, Farouk Abdulhak, her fellow student and the son of billionaire and one of Yemen's wealthiest men, Shaher Abdulhak.[9][10][11] Farouk Abdulhak and Vik Magnussen were seen leaving the Maddox nightclub in the early hours of 14 March,[12] and getting into a cab together.[4] He lived in the block of flats where she was found.[3] Police have flight records showing that Farouk Abdulhak left London for Cairo on 14 March, and believe he then fled to Yemen.[4][13][14] It is believed that the suspect proceeded from Cairo to Sanaa in his father's private plane. On Sunday 23 March it was reported that Farouk had appeared at the offices of lawyer Mohammed al Bakwli in Sana'a, capital of Yemen, seeking legal assistance.[15] Mr. al Bakwli says Farouk can be questioned by British authorities, as long as it happens in Yemen.[16] Farouk was mentioned as a suspect by the British police for the first time on 23 June 2008.[17] On 30 July 2008, he was officially named a suspect by the Metropolitan Police, and listed as wanted on Scotland Yard's "Wanted" site.[2]

The father of Martine Vik Magnussen speaks to the press about his appeal for Farouk Abdelhak to return from Yemen to the UK to stand trial for the rape and murder of his daughter.

Abdulhak is understood by the police (per 30 July 2008) to be living in Yemen.[2] The government in Yemen is aware of the UK's request to question Abdulhak, however the UK does not have an extradition agreement with Yemen.[18] A demonstration in Oslo on 1 December 2009 called for further action from Norwegian authorities.[19]

On 30 April 2008, a man in his 50s was arrested, for suspicion of assisting the murderer.[14]

A number of items Magnussen wore when she was last seen, were not found when police discovered her body. The Scotland Yard has published photos of similar items.[20] The missing items are: Christian Dior earrings, snakeskin shoes, a Marc Jacobs handbag, a Guess watch, a silver costume diamond ring, and her jeans (described as blue and of a "skinny" fit).[21][22][23][24]