(05/11/23) MOGADISHU — A high-profile trial commenced on Sunday at the Armed Forces Court in Mogadishu, where 11 officials from Hodan district’s administration in the Banadir region are facing charges of aiding the militant group Al-Shabaab.
The defendants, comprising eight men and three women, are accused of being part of a clandestine network spying for Al-Shabaab across several districts of Mogadishu, including Hodan, Howlwadaag, Heliwaa, Dayniile, Yaqshid, and Darussalam. Central to the prosecution’s case is Abdirahin Mohamed Osman Jim’ale Maruf, alleged to have been the group’s coordinator, arrested in February at Bakara market.
The trial also sees Ayanle Mohamed Ali, a former police officer accused of defecting to Al-Shabaab, and others such as Sharif Nur Ali Awliyo, implicated in significant terrorist activities; Jibril Abdullahi Sheikha, charged with spreading extremist ideologies; and Abdi Ali Ibaar Wardheere, allegedly involved in planning attacks.
Anab Hussein Omar Fidow, another defendant, is accused of espionage and promoting Al-Shabaab’s agenda on social media. The case extends to various other district officials, charged with espionage and collaboration with Al-Shabaab.
Overseen by General Hassan Ali Nur Shuute, the trial featured intense arguments from both the prosecution and the defence teams. The outcome of this trial is eagerly awaited, as it is seen as a crucial step in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.
Halqabsi News
