Somali military court begins hearing testimony in DC murder case

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A military court in Mogadishu began hearing testimony in the assassination of Hodan District Commissioner Abdihakim Dhagajuun, who was killed early this week under unclear circumstances within Mogadishu in the Banadir region.

On Saturday, an official hearing kicked off in what seems to be an inquiry, that would culminate in the prosecution of several individuals, most of who are believed to be security forces, a team that should have otherwise protected the official.

A number of security forces agents are being charged for “intentional” killing. Among those who appeared on Saturday for the probe is a police officer, who gave witness testimony of what happened in the lead-up to the killing.

Early this week, the government confirmed that security forces and other senior officers were involved in the shooting death of a local official. Abdihakim Dhagajuun was the Commissioner of Hodan, one of the most populous districts in Mogadishu.

Still, it's not clear why the official was killed by his colleagues in one of the gruesome murders in the history of Somalia. The government had, however, pledged the nail perpetrators, most of who are senior officers according to reports.

The former Hodan District Commissioner Abdihakim Dhagajuun was felled by a bullet at a junction located between Howlwadag and Warta Nabada district in Mogadishu on January 21 of this year at midnight. 

He was killed hours after returning from Turkey for medical treatment of a blast wound. So far, no one was officially charged with the murder as the suspects include top police officers. 

Banaadir regional governor Omar Filish had confirmed the incident noting Dhagajuun was killed following a shoot-out between security forces at Howlwadag and Aden Adde road. The governor added that two of Dhagajuun's bodyguards were injured in the incident and are currently recovering.

Filish, who also doubles as Mogadishu mayor, announced a seven-member team to organize the official investigations, adding that funeral preparations we to be done. Dhagajuun had been working as Hodan's district commissioner since July 2018.

GAROWE ONLINE