Muslim preacher, businessman in court for possession of dangerous arms
A Muslim preacher and a 31-year-old businessman are facing charges of being in possession of dangerous arms five years ago with an aim causing harm to the public.
Omar Abdi Adan and Mushraf Abdalla alias Boni were convicted by Milimani Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi. A third suspect, Abdi Yasin Mohammed, was acquitted.
Mr Andayi said 33 witnesses called by the prosecution led by a state counsel Solomon Naulikha proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused were found in possession of 30 kilogrammes of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in two bags, 12 hand grenades, four AK 47 rifles and 481 rounds of ammunition.
“This court finds that you were in possession of the explosives and dangerous weapons which you intended to use for an unlawful purpose,” Mr Andayi ruled in his two and half hours judgement.
FOUND GUILTY
Adan was also found guilty of giving false information to persons employed in the civil service that he had lost his national identification card.
He volunteered that information to a police officer at the Pangani Police Station where he was issued a police abstract for the loss of his ID card.
“The accused also cheated Ms Rose Mbolo a registration officer at the Pumwani office of issuance of ID cards,” Mr Andayi said.
The magistrate said that Adan, who had hired two shops and residences in Eastleigh, Umoja and Langata was arrested in a hotel room in Malindi while attempting to flee.
FIREARMS
“Adan had also rent a house at Sabasaba estate within Malindi,” the magistrate stated adding , “the disturbing question is why did he rent so many residential houses. Wasn’t he trying to hide his intentions?”
Police arrested him at Eastleigh around 12 midnight on November 31, 2012 where the illegal firearms cache was recovered which included vests stashed with highly explosive devises.
Mr Andayi said the 33 witnesses availed by state counsel Mr Solomon Naulikha proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Defence lawyers urged the magistrate to allow them time to prepare mitigations for the accused. Mr Andayi directed the two remain in prison custody until August 1.
