The DCI has announced the prosecution of a trafficker linked to the case of an 18-year-old who vanished in 2021. His family worked tirelessly to secure his release but faced challenges despite paying a ransom. The victim ultimately escaped to Tunisia and contacted his family. Legal proceedings against the suspect are ongoing, with a court mention scheduled for April 2025.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has reported the arraignment of a human trafficker linked to the case of an 18-year-old male who mysteriously vanished four years ago. At the time of his disappearance, the victim was a 14-year-old student at Mandera DEB Primary School, and his family did not give up their search for him.
After years of searching, the victim’s family learned that he had been held captive in Libya since 2021. They were compelled to pay a ransom of Ksh2.4 million to individuals in Somalia, yet their attempts to secure his release were unsuccessful.
In March 2025, the victim contacted his mother from a hospital in Tunisia, revealing he had suffered gunshot wounds to both legs; however, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain undisclosed. The victim escaped alongside two fellow Kenyans from Mandera in November 2023.
Investigations conducted by the Anti-Terrorist Police Unit (ATPU) led to the apprehension of a suspect believed to be central to the trafficking operation. The DCI has not provided details regarding the suspect’s arrest or whether the victim has reunited with his family.
The suspect, Bilal Shukri Ahmed, was brought to the Mandera Law Courts on March 14 for prosecution. The case will be mentioned again on April 4, 2025, following the issuance of a 21-day custodial order for the accused.
The DCI has made significant strides in addressing human trafficking, particularly in the case of an 18-year-old victim trafficked to Libya. Despite the family’s dire circumstances and extensive efforts, the issue underscores the serious threat of human trafficking. The apprehension of the suspect and upcoming court proceedings highlight ongoing efforts to combat this crime.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
