Somali Military Court hears case against 13 Men accused of series of robberies in Mogadishu

Somalia’s Military Court has heard charges against 13 men accused of carrying out a series of armed robberies targeting civilians across several districts of Mogadishu.

According to the case presented before the court, the suspects allegedly carried out robberies in Dharkaynley, Garasbaaley, Dayniile, Daarusalaam, Xamar Jajab, Gubta and other areas of the capital.

The prosecution said “the group targeted at least 33 people, mainly young people and students attending schools and universities in Mogadishu” . The suspects allegedly took mobile phones, watches, earphones and U.S. dollars from their victims on different occasions.

The court was told that the group used firearms, including pistols and AK-47 rifles, during the alleged robberies. They reportedly used Fekon motorcycles to move around the city while carrying out the attacks.

One of the suspects allegedly died during the operation in which security forces attempted to arrest the group after an exchange of gunfire, according to evidence presented before the court.

The proceedings also heard that one of the alleged victims was injured during the robberies. Prosecutors and defence lawyers presented arguments over the case, while several people who said they had been robbed appeared before the court to give evidence.

The court has already returned some mobile phones recovered from the suspects to their alleged owners.

The 13 accused men remain subject to the court proceedings, and a ruling is expected after the Military Court completes its consideration of the evidence and arguments presented by both the prosecution and defence.

Mustaqbal