The terror suspect went through this routine as he appeared in court yesterday accused of murdering Drummer Lee Rigby.
Stooping in the dock with a large bandage on his left arm, the 28-year-old demanded to be called ‘Abu Hamza’.
Clutching a copy of the Koran in his right hand, Adebolajo repeatedly interrupted the hearing.
At one point he said: ‘I’m only a man. I would like to alleviate the pain if I may.’ Then suddenly he held his hands aloft and closed his eyes before kissing the Koran.
Throughout the 12-minute hearing Adebolajo blew kisses towards a relative in the public gallery, understood to be his younger brother Jeremiah.
Wearing a white T-shirt and trousers, he remained seated when deputy chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnott entered Westminster Magistrates Court in London for the hearing.
When he was told to stand by the court clerk, he asked: ‘May I ask why?’ The defendant was then told it was a customary part of the court process, to which he replied: ‘Then I will sit’.
Addressing Adebolajo, the court clerk said: ‘I understand that you wish to be known as Mujahid Abu Hamza.’
The defendant replied: ‘That is correct.’ He was then referred to as ‘Mr Abu Hamza’ throughout the remainder of the hearing.
Hearing: Woolwich suspect Michael Adebolajo, whose left arm was heavily bandaged, refused to stand in in court yesterday morning and held the Koran throughout
Adebolajo is accused of killing Drummer Rigby, 25, just yards from Woolwich army barracks in broad daylight on May 22.
Drummer Rigby, who leaves behind a two year-old son called Jack and a fiancée, died from multiple stab wounds and had to be identified by his dental records.
Adebolajo, from Romford, Essex, was shot by police and spent just over a week being treated for his injuries under armed guard in hospital.
The defendant is also charged with attempting to murder two police officers, known as E38 and D49.
He faces a fourth charge of possessing a 9.4mm revolver with intent to cause persons to believe that unlawful violence would be used against him.
Outside court armed officers patrolled the streets with unarmed colleagues.
Meanwhile, at a short procedural hearing at the Old Bailey, Adebowale, 22, was once again ordered to remain in custody until June 28.
Neither defendant has entered pleas to any of the charges.
Eight other people have been arrested during the investigation into Drummer Rigby’s death.
Six men, aged between 21 and 50, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. All have been released on police bail.
Rikki Thomas, 29, who is understood to be Adebolajo’s partner, and her sister, Danielle, 31, were also arrested last week but subsequently released.
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