BY SAM ALFAN.
Two businessmen have been released on a bond as police investigate allegations of money laundering against them.
Milimani Magistrate Martha Nanzushi directed Mohammed Mohammed Abdi and Bashir Ali Gabow to deposit a bond of Sh500,000 each or cash bail of Sh200,00 each as police probe the allegations.
The magistrate rejected an application by the police seeking to detain the duo for 14 days as they conducted the probe.
Inspector Patrick Omondi had asked the court to detain the two at Capitol Hill police station for two weeks and also surrender their phones for analysis.
“The investigators are intending to ascertain the identity of the respondents from the registration bureau and immigration department. The presence of the respondents during the investigations is crucial in identifying more of their links and their accomplices who are still at large,” Inspector Omondi.
He argued that it was desirable to conduct proper forensic investigation on the phones of the respondents to ascertain some allegations of communications with our sources.
“Preliminary analysis of data stored in the suspect’s mobile handset, and Sim- card reveal that the suspects have connections with several other key players which may lead to other arrests of suspects still at large. It is desirable for the investigating officers to record statements from different witnesses some of whom are close associates of the respondents who might not feel comfortable if the respondents are at large,” he told the court.
The officer said it was necessary to detain the duo to prevent the duo from moving out of the country since they are a flight risk.
“The Constitution requirement for arraignment of suspects in court within 24 hours might expire before I conclusively complete my investigations and the suspect must be produced in court. The investigating officer is requesting for 14 working days to complete the investigation, collect forensic reports from various experts from DCI headquarters and fill the relevant documents,” Inspector Omondi submitted.
