Akhmed Yakoob, the solicitor representing the family involved in the controversial Manchester Airport police incident, has announced he is stepping aside from the case. The incident, which occurred last Tuesday (July 23), garnered significant media attention after video footage emerged showing a man being kicked in the head during an arrest.
Yakoob, a Birmingham-based solicitor with nearly 210,000 followers on TikTok, has been a vocal advocate for the family involved, frequently speaking to the media on their behalf. However, in a recent social media video, he revealed his decision to step aside, citing media sabotage as a significant factor.
“The media have tried to sabotage me, it’s not the first time they’ve done this,” Yakoob said in the video. “They’ve made this whole situation about me and not police misconduct. So, after consulting with the family, I have decided for now to step aside and I have recommended the family to a lawyer. But, I will be keeping a close eye on this.”
He emphasized that his departure does not mean he is distancing himself entirely from the case, stating, “I’d like to say that I am not for violence, whether it’s from police officers or whether it’s from civilians. Always remember that.”
The new lawyer recommended by Yakoob will now take over the case, ensuring that the family continues to receive legal support. The incident remains under investigation, with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) involved in examining the conduct of the officers during the arrest.