(16-05-23) MOGADISHU – On Tuesday, an international manhunt led by the Somali Police and Interpol concluded with the arrest of Zakariy Ali Ahmed Cosobow, the suspect accused of the murder of star officer Ali Hassan Siyad. Cosobow had been on the run since July 2022, successfully eluding authorities by taking refuge in South Sudan.
“Justice knows no bounds, and it was our aim to ensure that anyone who commits such a crime in the country can be arrested from anywhere,” stated Police spokesperson, Sadiq Doodishe, during a press briefing in Mogadishu.
Cosobow was apprehended by Interpol in South Sudan and promptly extradited back to Somalia, landing in Mogadishu’s airport under heavy security. He was swiftly taken into custody by the Military Court to expedite the legal proceedings surrounding his case.
The arrest marks a significant victory for the Somali authorities, demonstrating their resolve to pursue criminals beyond their national borders. The operation’s success is an affirmation of the ongoing partnership between the Somali Police and Interpol.
Cosobow’s arrest comes nearly a year after the brutal murder of Ali Hassan Siyad, a beloved member of the Somali Police. Siyad was found dead in Dayniile on July 28, 2022, in what was quickly identified as an ‘intentional murder’. As the prime suspect, Cosobow fled the country shortly after the incident, initiating the international manhunt.
Last week, the Somali Police Command expressed a strong commitment to bring to justice those accused of committing crimes in Somalia, even if they are currently residing abroad. This public statement came during a visit to the Interpol office in Mogadishu, signalling stronger cooperation between the national police and the international body.
“The arrest of Cosobow sends a clear message to all criminals seeking refuge abroad. You can run, but you cannot hide. We will relentlessly pursue justice, no matter where it leads us,” Doodishe added.
As the legal proceedings against Cosobow commence, the Somali public eagerly awaits the outcome, hoping it will finally bring closure to the tragic loss of their esteemed officer, Ali Hassan Siyad. The case’s progress will undoubtedly be under close scrutiny, serving as a precedent for the pursuit of justice against criminals who believe they can escape the reach of Somali law by crossing borders.
© Halqabsi News
