Kigali, Rwanda – The Rwandese government has extradited a Somali national, Jama Abdi Mohamud, who is wanted in Puntland for serious sexual crimes, including rape, filming unethical content, and the abuse of young girls. The Office of the Attorney General confirmed that Mohamud was handed over to Somali authorities and arrived in Mogadishu on October 18.
According to officials, the extradition followed close cooperation between Somali and Rwandan law enforcement agencies after an international warrant was issued for Mohamud’s arrest. He was apprehended in Kigali earlier this year following a request from Somali authorities seeking his return to face justice.
Upon arrival in Mogadishu, Mohamud was immediately taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) of the Somali Police Force. He is expected to be transferred to Puntland, where the crimes were allegedly committed in Qardho, for prosecution.
The Attorney General’s Office described the extradition as a landmark case demonstrating the growing effectiveness of regional legal cooperation in combating cross-border crimes, particularly those involving sexual violence and exploitation.
Officials in Puntland have previously reported widespread concern over Mohamud’s alleged actions, which included exploiting and abusing vulnerable girls and distributing explicit videos online. His arrest and extradition have been met with relief among victims’ families and local rights groups, who have called for a fair but firm judicial process.
Somali police officials said the case underscores the government’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual violence and online exploitation.
Mohamud’s trial is expected to begin once investigations are finalized, marking an important test for Somalia’s justice system in handling transnational crimes and protecting victims of sexual violence.