Somali national accused of hold-up on fellow migrant

The police are still looking for one of two Somali nationals involved in an armed robbery on a fellow Somali resident at the Hal Far Open Centre.

During the night of 12 October, at around 10:30 pm, Abdifaid Mahahdi Mahamud held a knife to the throat of Hussein Mohamed Abikar. During the incident, another Somali migrant rummaged through the victim's pockets, making away with €225 in cash. Following the robbery, the two beat up their victim and ran away. The incident happened in the streets opposite the Open Centre where the three reside.

Having identified his assailants, Abikar reported the robbery to the police. 18-year-old Abdifaid Mahahdi Mahamud was arrested at the Hal Far Open Centre. His accomplice is still wanted by the police.

Mahamud was arraigned this afternoon and plead not guilty to charges of holding Abikar against his will, slightly injuring the victim and carrying an unlicensed knife.

Inspector Fabian Fleuri argued against the granting of bail as the accused himself stated he does not know where he resides. Further more he has not been staying at the Open Centre since July, the accomplice is still on the loose and the victim has not yet testified. When asked his address the accused simply replied "Gozo".

The defence countered that accusing a person does not imply he is guilty. Dr Yana Micallef Stafrace held Mahamud could not recall his address due to language barriers and not because he had no fixed residence. "The accused had a clean police conduct, and the fact that his accomplice is still on the run is not related with the charges leveled against the accused," the defence said.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja denied the accused bail and remanded him in custody. Police inspectors Kevin Pulis and Fabian Fleuri and legal aid lawyer Yana Micallef Stafrace appeared for the accused.