Somalia: former soldier sentenced to death for killing a civilian

A Somali military court on Sept 27, 2026 sentenced a former soldier to death by firing squad for the killing of a civilian in Mogadishu earlier this year, according to a statement from the Armed Forces Court.

The defendant, identified as former Private Abdi Adan Ibrahim, known by the nickname “Soddon,” was convicted of murdering Yusuf Ahmed Abdi, a construction worker from Faryaamo. The victim was riding a rented bajaj (three-wheeled taxi) on his way home from work on the evening of 26 July 2026 when he was killed.

According to the court’s account, the defendant stopped the bajaj at a road in the Iga-daba-geey neighbourhood of Garsabaaleey district, in an apparent attempt to commandeer the vehicle. When the driver told him he could not take him because they were not travelling in the same direction, the defendant ordered the bajaj to stop, accused the driver of suspicion, and after an argument fired two bullets. One struck the ground, and the other hit the victim in the stomach. He died at the scene.

The defendant attempted to flee and near the scene of the killing. He was arrested after members of the public directed security forces to his location.

The case was investigated by the Military Prosecution Office, which requested to take over the case. The request was approved on 16 September 2026. After a trial in which both sides were given time to present their arguments, the Armed Forces Court handed down the death sentence, describing it as qisas, or retribution under Islamic law.

Colonel Hassan Ali Nuur Shuute, head of the Armed Forces Court of the First Degree, confirmed the verdict to the media.