Human Trafficking Case of Primary School Boy Uncovered by DCI

The DCI announced the arrest of a human trafficker involved in the case of Ali Noor, an 18-year-old male who disappeared at 14. His family paid a ransom for his release, which proved unsuccessful. After four years in captivity, Noor escaped to Tunisia. The suspect, Bilal Shukri Ahmed, was presented for prosecution on March 14, with a court mention set for April 4, 2025.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has reported the arraignment of a human trafficker connected to the case of an 18-year-old male who disappeared four years ago. At the time of his disappearance, the individual was a 14-year-old student attending Mandera DEB Primary School. Following an extensive search initiated by his parents, it was discovered that the victim was held captive in Libya, prompting his family to pay a ransom.
The family was compelled to pay Ksh2.4 million to two individuals located in Somalia in hopes of securing their son’s release. However, despite their considerable financial sacrifice, their attempts did not result in his freedom. “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,” stated the DCI.
After four years of captivity, on March 12, 2025, the victim connected with his mother from a hospital in Tunisia, revealing that he had sustained gunshot wounds to both legs. The DCI has withheld details regarding the circumstances surrounding these injuries. It was later revealed that Ali Noor had escaped from Libya in November 2023 with several other captives, including two Kenyans from Mandera, who attended to him during his recovery in the hospital.
Through forensic intelligence investigations, the Anti-Terrorist Police Unit (ATPU) apprehended the suspect implicated in facilitating the victim’s trafficking. The DCI did not provide specifics about the suspect’s arrest or the current status of the victim’s reunion with his family. As reported, the suspect was presented for prosecution at Mandera Law Courts on March 14, with a subsequent case mention scheduled for April 4, 2025.
“Bilal Shukri Ahmed has today been presented for prosecution… for his involvement in the trafficking of Bilal Ali Noor, now 18, who vanished on February 21, 2021…” remarked the DCI regarding the ongoing legal proceedings.
The case highlights the grave issue of human trafficking, illustrating the desperate circumstances faced by victims and their families. The successful apprehension of the suspect signifies law enforcement’s commitment to addressing such criminal activities. The resolution of this case continues to unfold, with significant implications for the victim’s recovery and for justice.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke