Somali government has accused a local journalist based in Mogadishu of being al-Shabaab member.
In a statement, Somali information ministry on Wednesday said Mohamed Abdiwahab aka Abuja who was arrested early March is suspected to have link with al-Shabaab terror group.
The ministry further said he is accused of involvement in murder of female who was killed last year.
“The suspect ‘Abuja’ is accused of a “criminal act” relating to the murder of Bahsaney Boley. The murder took place in Bondhere district on March 6,” the statement reads in part.
Abuja who works with local radio station in Mogadishu was arrested on 7th March after security stopped him on his way from work.
According to the family of the Journalist, Abuja was also arrested on 29th of February but was freed after spending two days behind the bars.
Several media watchdogs have called on the government to release the Journalist.
In a statement, Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemned the move and asked the government to free Abuja who has been in detention for more than a month.
“We call for the authorities to stop these threats and immediately demand that the editor of Radio Hiigsi, Mohamed Abuuja should have urgent access to a lawyer and his family. Also, he should be released or produced in a civilian court to hear his case,” said Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said.
