The bomber: A child of privilege

Mr. Mutallab is a highly respected leader in the nation’s banking and business community. He retired this month from his position as chairman of First Bank of Nigeria PLC after 13 years on the board. The retirement announcement was made on his 70th birthday.

Under Mr. Mutallab, the bank expanded to nine subsidiaries in Nigeria and added a bank in the U.K., known as FBN Bank Ltd., as well as a branch in Paris and offices in South Africa and China. He is from Katsina Town, Katsina State, a mostly Muslim state in northern Nigeria, on the border of Niger…

While in London, it appears that Mr. Abdulmutallab lived in comfort. Public-records database 192.com indicates that an “Umar Mutallab” lived at an address in the upscale Marylebone section of London, in a luxury building on a quiet street. Two other people with the same surname are listed at the same address.

A person familiar with the matter said British intelligence officials believe the apartment may be owned by a relative. An English Heritage sign – used to denote the homes of prominent Londoners through the years – indicates a flat there was once occupied by the late Sir Robert Mayer, “philanthropist and patron of music.”