DCI Reports on Human Trafficking Case of a Missing Schoolboy in Libya

The DCI has announced the arrest of a human trafficker related to the case of Ali Noor, an 18-year-old who disappeared in 2021. The victim’s family paid a ransom of Ksh2.4 million for his release, which proved ineffective. After four years, Noor escaped from Libya to Tunisia, having sustained injuries. The suspect, Bilal Shukri Ahmed, was presented for prosecution, with the case set for mention in April 2025.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported the arraignment of a human trafficker involved in the case of an 18-year-old male who disappeared four years ago. At the time of his disappearance in 2021, he was a 14-year-old student at Mandera DEB Primary School. His parents conducted an extensive search only to find that their son was being held captive in Libya.

After discovering their son’s plight, his family was compelled to pay a ransom of Ksh2.4 million to secure his release from his captors in Somalia. Despite their immense efforts and sacrifices, the ransom did not lead to their son’s freedom. The DCI stated, “Despite their immense sacrifice, the parents’ efforts proved futile, as their son remained in captivity.”

On March 12, 2025, the victim contacted his mother from a hospital in Tunisia, revealing he had suffered gunshot wounds to both legs. The specifics surrounding his injuries remain undisclosed. Subsequently, it was revealed that the victim had escaped from Libya to Tunisia in November 2023 alongside two other Kenyans from Mandera.

Following investigative efforts, detectives from the Anti-Terrorist Police Unit (ATPU) identified and arrested the individual believed to be instrumental in the trafficking operation. However, details surrounding the suspect’s arrest, including the location and date, were not provided. The DCI subsequently presented the suspect for prosecution at the Mandera Law Courts on March 14.

The case is scheduled for mention on April 4, 2025, after the prosecution obtained a 21-day custodial order. The DCI’s statement confirmed, “Bilal Shukri Ahmed has today been presented for prosecution by officers from the Anti-Terrorist Police Unit (ATPU) based in Mandera for his involvement in the trafficking of Bilal Ali Noor, now 18, who vanished on February 21, 2021.”

The case of Ali Noor highlights the dire circumstances surrounding human trafficking and the extensive efforts by families to rescue their loved ones. Despite significant challenges, including a substantial ransom payment, the victim ultimately escaped his captors. The arrest of a key trafficker is a crucial development in combating such crimes. Continued legal proceedings will determine the next steps in this troubling case.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke