Somalia police target flights to Gedo in search for Jubaland security minister

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia police have imposed extra security checks to Gedo-bound flights in search of Jubaland security minister, multiple sources told VOA.

Abdirashid Janan, police said, escaped from a detention room in Mogadishu on Tuesday, with the mystery surrounding his whereabouts causing tensions.

Zakia Hussein, the Deputy Police Commander, said: "search has been activated to rearrest the prisoner who escaped from detention."

He was first arrested on August 31st, 2019 over alleged "serious crimes" committed in the Gedo region, police had said.

Gedo-bound flights targeted

With pressure to apprehend the powerful Jubaland official, all aircraft to Gedo has been earmarked for extra security checks, VOA reported.

Gedo region is one of the major strongholds for Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe, who has been at loggerheads with the federal government.

With several airfields around the region due to the presence of AMISOM troops, it's not clear which areas police are targeting as they hunt him down.

VOA said: "Extra security checks reportedly imposed on all flights to Gedo region following the escape of Janan."

Although he has been under detention for five months, it is not immediately clear why authorities in Somalia were yet to arraign him in court.

Jubaland demands to know his whereabouts

Interestingly, Jubaland administration on Tuesday raised concerns about the whereabouts of the minister, demanding for immediate response.

The authorities said "we are concerned about the whereabouts of Janan, who has been in police custody. We demand to know what transpired."

Janan's arrest came few days after an Ethiopian plane was blocked from landing in Kismayo Airport, with FGS blaming him for the predicament.

At that time, President Mohamed Farmajo had rejected the victory of Madobe, who he accused KDF of rigging in.

Thereafter, flight restrictions were imposed on Jubaland, forcing all aircraft to land at Aden Adde International Airport for clearance, local media said.

He purportedly used the window to escape

In a tweet on Tuesday, Ms. Hussen said the suspect escaped from prison under unclear circumstances but added that "he is being pursued".

She said: "Former security minister of Jubaland Abdirashid Hassan Janan has this morning escaped a prison where he was held."

Without giving many details, the police boss added that "security agencies are pursuing to arrest him the convict."

But according to a source, who spoke to Garowe Online in confidence, Abdirashid Janan “escaped” from a house near the headquarters of NISA, Somalia's spy agency.

Abdirashid, the source said, was brought into the house five days ago. He reportedly “escaped” through a window.

Photos posted on social media showed a tiny window that Mr. Janan reportedly used to escape from detention.

After his arrest, Amnesty International called for "quick trial" in a civilian court, accusing him of murder and torture in the Gedo area.

GAROWE ONLINE