Written by Cyrus Kimanga 📝
Abdulrahman Imraan Juma, wanted in the USA for alleged identity theft, money laundering and wire fraud, has been released on a bond of Ksh 1 million.
Milimani High court Judge, lady Justice Dora Chepkwony released the suspect on a Ksh. 1 Million bond.
He was arrested on December 15,2021 after being on the run for years. Ever since he has been in detention at Gigiri Police Station.
The fugitive criminal was arraigned in court on January 26,2022 whereas the prosecution moved the court to deny him bond or bail pending the hearing and determination of his extradition proceedings.
The prosecution submitted that the criminal is a flight risk and that would the court chooses to release him on a bond or bail, it would be impossible for the state to apprehend him in case he decides to evade the court’s jurisdiction.
Chief Magistrate Micheni Wendy ruled that the prosecution had sufficiently convinced the court that there were sufficient grounds to deny the fugitive criminal bond.
However, Mr.Juma appealed the ruling at the High court stating that the presumption of innocence is a fundamental right provided for in chapter four of the Kenyan constitution and that the right to be released on bond is well stipulated in our Laws.
The High court ruled in favor of the appellant hence releasing him.
Mr Juma is wanted over claims of money laundering and is alleged to be part of an international gang that conspires to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft by targeting unsuspecting businessmen who need loans.
The charges filed against Mr Juma in the US District Court for the Central District of California, state that he faces up to 61 counts of money laundering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
The United States of America through the Attorney General wrote to Kenya to have Mr.Juma extradited to USA to face his charges.
The extradition proceedings are active in court.
