Man accused of rap group murder plot

A man accused of being involved in a plot to murder members of Sydney-based drill rap group ONEFOUR has been released on bail after agreeing to post a six-figure surety.

Yousef Rima, 20, was arrested in January when NSW Police executed a series of co-ordinated raids and foiled what they alleged was a criminal cell conspiring to murder four members of the group on behalf of another criminal network.

Earlier this year, NSW Police described the alleged murder plot as “extremely organised”, as the intended victims were allegedly surveilled and followed on social media.

Mr Rima was arrested in Sadleir, in southwestern Sydney earlier this year, and charged with a raft of offences before he was refused bail and has remained in Parklea prison since.

He on Thursday appeared before the NSW Supreme Court where he was granted bail due to what was described as long delays as well as his ability to post a $100,000 surety.

The court was told the alleged offences occurred between late 2023 and his arrest on January 11.

Mr Rima has no criminal history but has been charged with serious offences, including conspiracy to murder and attempting to supply a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison if found guilty.

The court was told that the brief of evidence had yet to be completed and he was likely to face a lengthy delay before he was committed for trial.

“His role, on the material provided to the court, is a very limited one,” Justice Sarah Huggett said.

“It remains to be seen what the evidence is that will be presented against him.

“But at the moment very limited evidence is before the court regarding his involvement in the serious offences.”

Judge Huggett said it was the first time Mr Rima had been in custody.

The Crown prosecution opposed his release on bail; however, Judge Huggett agreed to Mr Rima’s release on strict conditions, including that he not contact his co-accused, including Brandon Maseuli, who was arrested at the same time as Mr Rima.

Mr Maseuli has been charged with a long list of offences including conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to take/detain person with intent to obtain advantage as well as firearm and drug offences.

Mr Rima will be required to report to police daily, hand over access codes to his phone, not use encrypted devices as well as provide a $100,000 surety.

He will appear in court again on May 1.