The Military Court and High Crimes Court of the Jubbaland Government on Thursday convened the first hearing in the case of Abdifatah Mohamed Ali, who is accused of kidnapping and the deliberate killing of a woman in Kismayo.
The case concerns the alleged abduction and murder of the late Aisha Bakaari Barkaale (Joonjo), an incident that reportedly occurred on 6 August 2026 in the Calanleey neighbourhood of Kismayo District.
The session was presided over by Colonel Abdullaahi Mohamud Ibrahim, Chairman of the Jubbaland First Instance Military Court. In attendance were his deputy judges, relatives of the deceased, the Jubbaland Military Prosecutor, and the defense lawyer representing the accused.
During the proceedings, the court questioned the defendant while the prosecution presented details and evidence related to the case. The defense counsel also addressed the court, outlining arguments on behalf of the accused.
At the conclusion of the session, the presiding judge formally adjourned the first hearing, with further proceedings expected as the case moves through the judicial process.
