Thugs Convicted of Heinous Crimes

Two men have been found guilty of kidnapping, assaulting and subjecting a pensioner to a terrifying ordeal in Oldham.

Azizur Rahman (38), of no fixed address, was found guilty of kidnap, robbery, section 18 assault, intentional strangulation and perverting the course of justice by a majority verdict at Manchester Crown Court on Friday.  

Shohad Miah (24), of Fir Bank Road, Royton, was found guilty of kidnap, section 20 assault, intentional strangulation and perverting the course of justice.  

The court heard how the heartless thugs bundled the 87-year-old man into a car on Lee Street, Oldham, before activating child locks.  

He was subjected to a violent assault including strangulation and threats with a knife. 

The victim was then robbed of his phone, money and keys. He was forced to drink alcohol and carelessly stripped of his clothes before he was left abandoned on a dark road in Rishworth, West Yorkshire. 

The pensioner suffered serious injuries, including a bleed on the brain, lacerations, bruising, and knocked-out teeth.  

He was eventually released by the offenders, and a member of the public called an ambulance, and he was rushed to hospital. In the aftermath, the car used in the kidnap was burnt out in a failed plan to destroy any trace of forensic evidence.

Azizur Rahman.

The investigation revealed significant evidence against Rahman and Miah, including mobile phone data, CCTV footage, forensic evidence from the burnt car, and dashcam recordings. 

Detective Sergeant Rick Bolt, of the Major Incident Team, said: “Azizur Rahman and Shohad Miah have been convicted for their heinous crimes.  

“This conviction serves as a reminder that such acts of violence will not be tolerated, and justice will be served. 

“This was not a random attack; the victim was specifically targeted due to a prior visit to Rahman's home, where he had performed prayers and provided amulets for Rahman's stepson. 

“Fortunately, the kidnap was captured on CCTV footage, which along with other evidence, led investigation officers to the offenders.” 

The pair will be sentenced on Tuesday, May 29, 2025.