Court Grants Police Seven Days to Complete Investigations as Victim Remains Hospitalized.
GARISSA, Kenya – Four women were on Monday presented before a Garissa court in connection with an alleged abduction, robbery, and sexual assault case that has shocked residents of the town.
The suspects, identified as Ayan Ahmed (23), Fartun Ahmed (19), and Ifrah Abdi (21), were ordered detained at Iftin Police Station for seven days to allow police to complete investigations.
A fourth suspect, believed to be a minor, was ordered by the court to be taken to a children’s facility pending age assessment.
Garissa Resident Magistrate Rachael Ng’ang’a issued the orders after investigators requested additional time to conclude inquiries into the case.
The suspects did not take plea.
Police Seek More Time for Investigations
An investigating officer attached to Iftin Police Station told the court that detectives are still gathering crucial evidence and recording witness statements.
The officer said the alleged victim remains under medical observation, making it difficult to record a comprehensive statement at this stage.
According to the investigator, several witnesses are yet to be interviewed, while additional suspects linked to the incident are still being sought by police.
“The four suspects were arrested on Saturday, and we believe they are flight risks and may interfere with ongoing investigations. We therefore request the court to allow us to hold them for seven days,” the investigating officer told the court.
The prosecution further informed the court that the complainant is currently receiving treatment and monitoring at a health facility.
Alleged Daylight Abduction in Garissa Town
According to information presented before the court, the incident reportedly occurred within Garissa town where a 23-year-old woman, identified in court documents as MDG, was allegedly forced into a vehicle by a group of individuals.
Family members claim the woman was later taken to an isolated location where she was allegedly subjected to serious criminal acts.
The incident reportedly attracted attention from members of the public during the alleged abduction.
Relatives of the complainant claim that when bystanders questioned the actions of those involved, they allegedly stated that the woman was a relative suffering from a mental health condition and that they were taking her home.
The claims remain part of ongoing investigations.
Hospital Identification Leads to Arrests
A family member who spoke on condition of anonymity said the breakthrough in the case came while the victim was receiving treatment at Garissa County Referral Hospital.
According to the relative, the victim allegedly identified one of the suspects who happened to be at the hospital.
The identification reportedly led investigators to arrest additional suspects linked to the case.
“While undergoing treatment at Garissa Referral Hospital, she identified one of the suspects who happened to be at the hospital and she also led to the arrest of others,” said the relative.
Court Awaits Investigation Report
The court directed police to complete investigations within seven days and present a progress report when the matter comes up for mention.
Investigators are expected to submit medical reports, witness statements, and other evidence collected during the investigation.
The case has attracted significant public attention in Garissa, with residents calling for a thorough investigation and justice for all parties involved.
The suspects remain in custody pending further directions from the court.
