Washington:
US federal prosecutors have filed fresh charges against Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab, the Nigerian man accused of attempting to set off an explosive device in his underwear while aboard a flight to Detroit last Christmas.
According to the 10-page new indictment, AbdulMutallab has now been charged with conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries and possession of an explosive device in furtherance of crime of violence.
With this, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. A new arraignment is scheduled for Thursday at a federal court in Detroit.
In the new indictment, federal prosecutors have charged that before landing at Detroit, he went to the bathroom and upon return to his seat, stated that his stomach was upset and then pulled a blanket over himself.
As the aircraft continues its descent, AbdulMutallab detonated the bomb, which resulted in fire.
Prosecutors alleged that he tried to ignite an explosive device made of PETN and TATP that was hidden in his underwear.
He was then subdued and restrained by passengers and the flight crew on December 25, 2009.
The Detroit-bound North West Airlines flight had 281 passengers and 11 crew members.