ATPU links missing lawyer Abshir Abdi to alleged abduction, extortion syndicate

Instead of clarifying his disappearance and absence from court, the proceedings heard allegations from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) linking the lawyer to an alleged abduction and extortion ring operating in Eastleigh.

ATPU Nairobi OCS Chief Inspector Vitalis Kibet told the court that Abshir was arrested last October over an alleged abduction and detained at the unit’s Nairobi cells.

"Reporting concerning Ahmedsadak Abdi Abshir who is the subject and Ahmed Abdi Hassan in relation to an abduction case of one Ahmed Ali Mohammed, the mastermind of that abduction namely Ahmedsadak Abdi Abshir was arrested on 9th October 2025 at Diamond Park 2 Estate in South B, he was presented before Kahawa Law Courts on 13th October 2025,” Kibet said.

In a twist, the prosecution reportedly abandoned its bid to detain Abshir for 10 days, arguing that investigations could proceed while he remained out on bond.

"As a result, the suspect was released on free bond pending conclusion of the ongoing investigations,”| Kibet added.

The ATPU further alleges that Abshir and several accomplices, including a foreign national, ran an abduction and extortion racket, exploiting counter-terrorism operations. The syndicate allegedly colluded with government officers to target individuals suspected of fraudulently acquiring identity documents and extort money from them.

"The first agency is EACC, IPOA, Judiciary of Kenya, National Police Service and ODPP ... Once the subject was aware that there was a target who has obtained Kenyan identification by fraudulent means police role will be limited to arresting that person and then you extort,” stated Kibet.

While denying any involvement in Abshir’s latest abduction, which reportedly occurred nearly a year after his arrest and release, Kibet was challenged over claims that the lawyer had been threatened while in ATPU custody in 2025. The officer, however, distanced himself from the allegation, saying the interrogators who handled Abshir were better placed to respond.

"It is alleged that the applicant, the subject matter was abducted, I have never come across his name in our police records which is the occurrence book and cell register,” Kibet added.

Earlier, a DCI Kilimani investigator told the court that two witnesses had recorded statements, with two more expected to do so. Investigators are also pursuing CCTV footage believed to have captured the moment armed men bundled Abshir into a vehicle.

The matter resumes Thursday, when Abshir’s lawyers are expected to cross-examine Chief Inspector Kibet.