The brother of abducted Nairobi lawyer Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi has identified a man he alleges participated in the November 1 abduction, telling the Milimani High Court that a distinctive silver tooth could help investigators identify him.
Zakaria Abshir made the identification while testifying in proceedings concerning his brother’s disappearance, as the court examined video footage showing several individuals allegedly attacking Abdi along Muchai Road, off Ngong Road, in Nairobi.
Silver Tooth Key to Identification
While reviewing the footage, Zakaria pointed to a man who allegedly approached Abdi as he lay on the ground and kicked him.
He told the court that the moment offered the clearest view of the individual’s face, describing him as light-skinned, bearded and lean.
According to the witness, the man was not wearing a face covering at the time, although he briefly attempted to conceal his face using a jacket.
Zakaria said the most distinctive feature was a silver tooth on the man’s upper canine, which he believes would make him easy to recognise.
“If he were in a line-up, I would point to him, unless he removes the silver tooth before coming,” he told the court.
The witness identified the individual as Officer Siad Mohamed, who is listed as the 13th respondent in the proceedings.
Alleges Earlier Threats Against Family
Zakaria further alleged that Mohamed had previously visited their family home and issued threats approximately a year and a month before Abdi disappeared.
He told the court that the man’s alleged aggression towards his brother in the footage was consistent with his earlier encounters with him.
The witness also raised concerns about individuals allegedly using shared ethnic backgrounds to gain access to households and intimidate families.
He urged the court not to allow ethnicity to be exploited as a means of threatening families or facilitating abductions.
Abdi Found Alive in Marsabit
The testimony comes after Abdi was reportedly found alive in Sololo, Marsabit County, on November 12, about 11 days after he disappeared.
During habeas corpus proceedings before Justice Alexander Muteti, the court was informed that the lawyer had been located.
The hearing was subsequently adjourned to Friday, November 13, when Abdi is expected to be produced before the court.
His recovery brought relief to his family and members of the legal fraternity, although questions remain over the circumstances of his disappearance and the identities of those allegedly involved.
The allegations made by Zakaria, including the identification of Mohamed, remain subject to the ongoing court proceedings.
