ONE of the two men accused of murdering fusilier Lee Rigby in Woolwich has said he killed as a “soldier for Allah” and should be punished by being “ransomed, freed or killed”.

Michael Adebolajo, aged 28, of Oakwood Close, HIther Green, and Michael Adebowale, aged 22, of Thames Street, Greenwich, stand accused of mowing the soldier down with a car on May 22 near Woolwich barracks. before hacking him to death. Both deny murder.

Adebolajo, who has asked to be called Mujaahid Abu Amza in court, gave evidence from the witness box at the Old Bailey today.

The father-of six said he was a soldier killing another soldier as part of a war.

He said: "My defence is I am a soldier of Allah and I understand that some people might not recognise this.

"Basically it is a war between Islam and those military that invade Muslim lands."

Speaking of what he believed his punishment should be, he told the court:"Obviously, as I said, my opinion is based on Islam.

"As an enemy soldier, I believe either I should be ransomed to my Mujahideen brothers, or set free or I should be killed."

He added: "These are the just options in my opinion."

When asked what he felt about terrorist group Al-Queda, he said: "I love them, they are my brothers. I have never met them but I love them."

He added: "Many Muslims, I am sure, hate my guts right now, because of my actions but that is not my concern, my concern is does Allah love me."

Along with murder, Adebolajo and Adebowale are also each accused of attempting to murder a police officer on the same day, and conspiracy to murder a police officer on or before that day.

They deny all charges but admit possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence.

The trial continues.