DCI Unveils Human Trafficking Case of Young Boy to Libya
The DCI has announced the arrest of a human trafficker involved in the case of an 18-year-old male who was trafficked to Libya four years ago. Following a ransom payment by his family, the victim remained in captivity until he escaped to Tunisia in November 2023. The suspect has been charged and presented for prosecution, with the case set for a court mention in April 2025.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has revealed that a human trafficker has been charged in connection with the case of an 18-year-old male, who disappeared four years ago. At the time of his disappearance, the victim was a 14-year-old student at Mandera DEB Primary School. Following the incident, the victim’s parents conducted a thorough search and ultimately learned he was being held captive in Libya.
Upon discovering their son was in captivity, the family was compelled to pay a ransom of Ksh2.4 million to two individuals located in Somalia. However, despite their substantial sacrifice, the ransom did not result in the victim’s release. The DCI stated, “Upon his disappearance, his parents launched a desperate search for their son. Their worst fears were confirmed when they discovered that Ali Noor was being held captive in Libya.”
After four years, on March 12, 2025, the victim managed to contact his mother from a hospital in Tunisia, where he disclosed that he had sustained gunshot wounds in both legs. The DCI has not provided details regarding the circumstances of these injuries. It was later determined that the victim successfully escaped from Libya in November 2023, alongside two other captives.
The DCI has reported, “It was revealed that the victim had been trafficked to Libya before escaping in November 2023. He fled to Tunisia alongside other captives, including two fellow Kenyans from Mandera, who are currently caring for him in the said hospital.” Following the escape, the Anti-Terrorist Police Unit (ATPU) conducted an investigation, leading to the apprehension of the suspect believed to have facilitated the trafficking.
The specific details of the suspect’s arrest, including the location and time, have not been disclosed, nor has it been confirmed whether the victim has reunited with his family. The suspect, Bilal Shukri Ahmed, was presented for prosecution by the ATPU at the Mandera Law Courts on March 14. The DCI has stated that the case is scheduled for a mention on April 4, 2025, after securing a 21-day custodial order for the suspect.
This case highlights the tragic realities of human trafficking and the prolonged emotional toll it can impose on families. Despite substantial effort and financial sacrifice from the victim’s family, the challenges of securing his release were immense. The investigation by the DCI underscores the need for continued vigilance against human trafficking and illustrates the importance of law enforcement’s role in addressing such heinous crimes.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
