Moroccan-Belgian Suspect Remains in Custody in Nordine El Talbi Case
A Belgian man of Moroccan origin, identified as Souleïmane E.A., will remain in pretrial detention for at least another month in connection with the fatal shooting of police inspector Nordine El Talbi in Jette, Brussels.
The Brussels council chamber confirmed the detention on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. His lawyers are expected to appeal the decision. The suspect has denied involvement in the officer’s death and maintains that he is innocent.
Suspect Says He Was a Victim of Carjacking
Souleïmane E.A. claims he was inside a vehicle that was stolen during a carjacking in Tubize, south of Brussels. According to his account, the people responsible for the carjacking beat him and took him to Jette against his will.
He says he witnessed the shooting of El Talbi, who was investigating the stolen vehicle, before the suspects fled.
The claims have not been established as facts, and investigators are still working to determine each suspect’s role in the case.
Six Suspects Detained in the Investigation
Six people have been detained in connection with the death of 41-year-old El Talbi. They include five adults and one minor, all Belgian nationals from Brussels, according to earlier reports.
Another suspect, identified as Mohamed S., also appeared before the Brussels council chamber. He is one of three brothers who were arrested after the shooting. Two brothers were released after questioning, while Mohamed S. remained in custody. His alleged role in the incident has not been publicly clarified.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to establish who fired the fatal shot that killed the police inspector in Jette.
