By Andrew Kariuki

A Somali national has been charged before the Makadara Law Courts over allegations of obtaining money by false pretences in a transaction involving purported Singaporean gold worth thousands of dollars.

Ismail Abukar Osman appeared before Principal Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe, where he faced a charge of obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.

According to the charge sheet, Osman is accused of defrauding a businesswoman of USD 27,000 on June 29, 2025, after allegedly representing that he was capable of supplying her with 180 grammes of Singaporean gold. Prosecutors contend that the representation was false and that the accused knew it to be untrue at the time.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) opposed his release on bond, arguing that he poses a flight risk. Investigators informed the court that Osman was apprehended while allegedly attempting to leave the country through Garissa on his way to Somalia.

In an affidavit filed before the court, the investigating officer stated that efforts to resolve the dispute outside the criminal justice system had failed and that the accused allegedly went into hiding after receiving payment from the complainant.

The prosecution further urged the court to consider the seriousness of the charge, the strength of the evidence, the likelihood of interference with witnesses, and the risk that the accused may fail to attend future court proceedings if released.

The court did not make an immediate determination on the bail application and instead reserved its ruling. Principal Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe is expected to deliver the ruling on June 22, 2026.