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A dramatic twist in a harrowing murder case could see British airline captain Mohamed Barakat, 46, walk free after serving five years of a 20-year sentence for the brutal death of his one-year-old daughter, Sophia Barakat. His ex-wife, Madina Abdullayeva, 28, has allegedly confessed to the killing, prompting Kazakh police to launch a new investigation into whether the London-born pilot was wrongly jailed, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.
Barakat, an Airbus 330 pilot, was convicted in 2020 of the murder of Sophia, whose brain was "crushed" at a five-star hotel in Almaty on October 24, 2019. Court proceedings at the time alleged the incident occurred during a drink and drug-fueled frenzy. However, the country’s Prosecutor’s Office has now opened an investigation "on newly discovered circumstances," primarily focusing on Madina Abdullayeva's alleged confession.
A Mother's Alleged Confession and a Father's Fight
At the time of Sophia's death, hotel staff reported that Madina had accused Barakat, shouting: "He killed my child, he hit her." The original indictment against Barakat claimed he had violently struck Sophia's head against the walls and doors of their hotel suite after allegedly beating his wife. Despite these accusations, Madina had publicly supported Barakat during his 2020 trial, claiming Sophia’s death was an "accident." CCTV footage from the night showed a distraught Madina pleading with InterContinental Hotel staff, then collapsing with Sophia's body in the lobby.
In a stunning turn of events, Barakat's legal team and family claim to have uncovered compelling evidence of a significant miscarriage of justice. Police Lieutenant-Colonel R Kurbanov confirmed that Madina Abdullayeva has been questioned regarding the new circumstances of the case, and voice samples have been obtained from her. A "forensic video-phonoscopy examination" has also been ordered, with further investigative actions planned.
From his prison cell, Barakat, who has been incarcerated for five and a half years, reportedly turned detective. He communicated with his then-estranged wife (the couple divorced in May 2025) via social media. During these exchanges, Madina allegedly posted "I kill her....," to which Barakat replied, "I know you did." He has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming from the outset that his wife accidentally killed their child.
In a video recorded from jail, Barakat himself spoke about his ex-wife's "confession," stating: "Two days ago, we had another argument. I told her I would never have another baby with her until she told me what happened to my daughter, Sophia Barakat. And here you can see, she wrote 'Call me please.' And then, she writes ‘I kill her.’ And then ‘Say thanks that I didn’t tell you.'" Subsequent conversations reportedly show Madina repeatedly asking for his forgiveness.
Furthermore, on a separate recorded call, Madina allegedly told Barakat that she broke Sophia’s neck at the hotel. She is said to have stated: "I left…and then when I come back, she is awake and crying because she's hungry. I start to feed her. And then she start to poo… and I try to wash her bum. And when I wash her, I break her neck…"
Legal Challenges and New Hope
Barakat received the maximum sentence under the criminal code due to the "aggravating circumstance" of committing the murder "in a state of alcoholic and drug intoxication." However, his lawyer, Din-Mukhamed Narymbetov, believes there are now "grounds for hope" that his client will be exonerated based on this new evidence. Narymbetov also alleges astonishing legal failings in the initial investigation and trial.
Among the claimed violations, the lawyer highlights that the only evidence of drug use presented was a toxicology test showing traces of THC in vomit from the hotel mattress, which he argues is an unreliable basis for such a serious conviction. Narymbetov stated: "CCTV shows him walking steadily into the hotel, handing balloons to his daughter, and carrying her. Hotel staff said he did not appear drunk."
Another alleged procedural breach concerns Sophia's British nationality, which, under regulations, should have necessitated an autopsy performed by three experts; only one conducted the examination.
Barakat remains steadfast in his innocence. "Madina knows I am innocent. My family knows I'm innocent. The lawyers who stood with me – they know I'm innocent," he affirmed. When approached for comment on this developing report, Madina Abdullayeva stated: "I am not going to answer these questions."
The ongoing investigation by Kazakh police offers a glimmer of hope for Barakat, who has spent over five years fighting to clear his name. The alleged confession by his ex-wife could fundamentally alter the course of this tragic case, potentially revealing a profound miscarriage of justice.
