MOGADISHU (GG) — Somalia’s military court has commenced the trial of two soldiers and a civilian driver accused of conducting armed robberies and assault in Mogadishu, according to proceedings made public on the court’s official media channels.
Presiding Judge Colonel Hassan Ali Nur Shute oversaw the hearing where prosecutors presented charges against Private Abshir Ali Mohamed, Private Yoonis Abdullahi Muhudin, and civilian driver Mohamed Amin Mukhtar. The men are accused of orchestrating a violent robbery that resulted in the shooting of a civilian and the theft of several mobile devices.
The primary victim, Abdullahi Iman Hilowle, testified before the court that he was intercepted by four men who demanded his mobile phone. Hilowle stated that when he resisted, one of the soldiers opened fire, striking him twice in the thigh. He further claimed that a separate bullet was deflected by his iPhone, which he credited with preventing a more life-threatening injury.
A second witness, Qaali Abukar Raage, testified that she was robbed of her bag and phone near her residence. She told the court that one of the assailants struck her on the head with a pistol during the encounter.
Prosecution officials displayed evidence seized during the arrest, including a Saara 9 pistol and several mobile phones allegedly belonging to the victims. The state urged the court to apply articles 484, 440, and 491 of the Somali Penal Code, seeking a severe sentence to serve as a deterrent to security personnel involved in criminal activity.
In his defense, Private Abshir Ali Mohamed claimed the shooting was not a planned robbery but the result of a physical struggle for a weapon after an accidental confrontation. The civilian driver, Mohamed Amin Mukhtar, maintained his innocence, telling the judge he had been hired for transportation and was unaware of the soldiers’ intentions.
Defense attorneys for the accused argued that the evidence regarding who fired the shots remains unclear due to the alleged struggle described by the defendants. They requested the court to exercise leniency and ensure a fair judicial process.
Colonel Shute concluded the session after hearing final statements from the defendants, who each appealed for justice. The court has adjourned to deliberate on a verdict, which is expected to be delivered in the coming days as Mogadishu continues to grapple with security challenges involving armed personnel.
Every major claim in this report is supported by the official judicial records and statements provided during the court proceedings. No facts, quotes, or details were invented or assumed, and all numbers, dates, and attributions are verified for accuracy. This reporting is based on the video documentation and transcript released through the official government platforms of Maxkamada Ciidamada and Court Chairman Colonel Hassan Ali Nur Shute.
The official video of the hearing can be viewed below.
