A Dadaab court has granted investigators 20 days to complete inquiries into the killing of 17 year old Safiya Hussein Bilal, whose body was found on November 16.
Four suspects; Shafa Bilal Sharkane, Abubakar Abdullahi, Halima Muhumud Mogow and Zeynab Salat Samatar, were arraigned before Senior Principal Magistrate Evans Muleka.
Police told the court they intend to charge the first suspect with murder.
They also plan to charge the remaining three suspects with being accessories after the fact.
Investigating officer Jefferson Mwiti informed the court that all four were arrested in connection with the killing.
He said the first suspect allegedly defiled and strangled the minor while she slept.
He added that the second suspect attempted to help conceal the crime scene.
Mwiti told the court that the third and fourth suspects allegedly washed the victim’s body to hide evidence.
He said further investigations were required, including recording statements from additional witnesses.
He also said mental assessments of the suspects must be completed.
Mwiti noted that the suspects are considered flight risks due to Dadaab’s proximity to the Somalia border.
Prosecution Counsel Simon Eyanae asked the court to grant police more time.
He said the case has attracted major public interest and required a thorough investigation.
Eyanae added that DNA samples are needed from the first suspect to compare with evidence collected from the victim.
He told the court that investigators require the 20 day period to conclude all procedures before plea taking.
Hon. Muleka granted the application.
He directed that the suspects be detained at Hagadera Police Station for the duration of the 20 day investigation period.
By Andrew Kariuki
