MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a significant ruling, the Supreme Military Court of Somalia handed down a death sentence to Dahir Ali Osman on Saturday, holding him accountable for the assassination of Hussein Hassan Molgale, the respected chief of Mareray village near Afgoye in the Lower Shabelle region.
The tragic event occurred in March of this year, sending shockwaves through the community.
The court’s decision came after thorough legal proceedings where Dahir Ali Osman was found guilty of orchestrating the murder. His motive was reportedly rooted in revenge, following the death of his brother, which he attributed to Molgale.
In a twist to the case, the same court also acquitted and ordered the immediate release of Abdullahi Ali Osman. He had been held in custody under suspicion of involvement in the murder but was cleared of all charges by the court’s prosecutors, highlighting the complexities of the legal investigation.
Liban Ali Yarow, presiding over the Supreme Military Court, spoke to the media post-verdict, affirming the judgment initially passed by a lower military court. His endorsement of the decision not only marks the conclusion of this high-profile case but also reflects the judicial process’s adherence to legal standards within Somalia’s military court system.
The case has drawn attention to the security and judicial challenges in Somalia, particularly in regions like Lower Shabelle, where local governance and law enforcement face ongoing tests amid broader efforts to stabilize the nation.
