Woman jailed for refusing to unlock phone during terror investigation

A 23-year-old woman from Cardiff has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after refusing to provide access to her mobile phone during a terrorism investigation.

Nermin Onour was arrested in October 2024 by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing Wales on suspicion of encouraging terrorism under Section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2006. During her arrest, officers requested the PIN to her mobile phone, warning her that failure to comply could result in prosecution. Onour refused.

Following her initial refusal, Onour was issued with a Section 49 Advisory Notice — a legal warning that she must grant access to her device or face criminal charges. When she continued to withhold her PIN, a formal Section 49 notice was issued.

Appearing at the Old Bailey on 22 September 2025, Onour was sentenced to 18 months in custody for failing to comply with the notice.

Police confirmed that the original investigation into Onour’s suspected terrorist activity remains ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Williams, Counter Terrorism Policing Wales said: “This is a prime example of how failure to comply with a Section 49 Notice can lead to a criminal conviction and imprisonment."