Three suspects deny trafficking minor from Nairobi to Libya for Ksh.5.5M ransom

Three suspects accused of involvement in a transnational human trafficking and extortion syndicate have pleaded not guilty before the Kahawa Law Courts.

Abdirahman Dagane Ahmed, Abdisamed Abukar Abdullahi and Abdifatah Abdi Elmi are facing charges linked to an alleged cross-border operation involving the abduction and trafficking of a minor for ransom.

According to court documents, the suspects allegedly abducted a 16-year-old boy from Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate on April 10, 2025, before smuggling him through Sudan and South Sudan to war-torn Libya.

The prosecution alleged that the syndicate subjected the minor to torture and recorded videos of the ordeal, which were sent to his parents in Kenya to intensify pressure on the family to pay a ransom.

The victim’s family reportedly paid more than Ksh.5 million to the alleged criminal network in a desperate attempt to secure his release.

Speaking on the case, the family’s advocate Kevin Omwanza said the family had been pursuing various avenues to rescue the boy since his abduction.

“This case has been ongoing for some time as we tried to use all means to rescue the minor. When he was abducted in April 2025 while within Eastleigh, he was taken to Libya, where he was detained, tortured and an extortion ring demanded Ksh.5.5 million, which the family has been sending,” Omwanza said.

Libyan authorities have since rescued the minor, who is receiving medical treatment in Tripoli.

Kenya’s Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) detectives are working with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to facilitate his safe return to the country.

The prosecution and the victim’s family opposed the suspects’ release on bond, arguing that they pose a flight risk and could interfere with key witnesses as investigations and court proceedings continue.

The family is also urging the government to trace the ransom payments and dismantle the alleged Eastleigh-based trafficking network.

Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku ordered the suspects to remain in custody until November 9, 2026, when the court is expected to rule on their bail applications after receiving a comprehensive pre-bail report.

The suspects remain in custody as the court considers whether they should be released on bond pending the determination of the case.