In a pivotal moment for Somalia’s justice system, a military court in Mogadishu announced its verdict in a widely-followed murder case on January 24th. The court’s ruling brought closure to a tragic incident that had shaken the nation.
On October 10th, 2014, Liban Mohamed Abdi Hayle, a 20-year-old woman, was brutally killed by a gunshot to the head while traveling in a Hormuud Telecom company vehicle near the Manyafuulka checkpoint. The perpetrator, Yacqub Abdurrahman Ibrahim Adan, nicknamed “Yacqub Dhagey,” was identified as the main culprit behind the heinous act.
After a thorough investigation and trial, the court found Yacqub Dhagey guilty of premeditated murder and sentenced him to qisas (retaliatory punishment) for the killing of Liban Mohamed Abdi Hayle. The verdict was based on overwhelming evidence, including witness testimonies, forensic reports, and the recovered murder weapon.
Two other defendants, Ibrahim Malin Hassan Mohamed Nur and Hassan Ali Hussein Abdi, were acquitted due to lack of conclusive evidence linking them to the crime. However, the court ordered their immediate release, subject to no other pending charges.
The ruling was met with a sense of relief and gratitude from the victim’s family and the broader Somali community, who had eagerly awaited justice. The court’s decision sent a strong message about the nation’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and combating impunity for violent crimes.
Those dissatisfied with the verdict have the option to appeal within 30 days, as per legal procedures.
