Sunday, May 31, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Somalia's First Instance Military Court on Sunday heard the case of two Ethiopian nationals accused of being members of the militant group Al-Shabaab after they were arrested during a security operation conducted by Somali forces.
According to prosecutors, the two suspects were captured by officers from Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) during a planned operation in Baidoa, the interim capital of the South West State administration. Following their arrest, the case was referred to the military justice system for prosecution.
Military prosecutors charged the men with membership in Al-Shabaab, presenting evidence that allegedly links them to the group. During the court session, prosecutors outlined reports detailing the suspects' alleged participation in combat operations, the training they are said to have received, and the circumstances surrounding their entry into Somalia.
The defendants were identified as Hamza Ibrahim, and Nasri Abdirahman Ali, Court proceedings revealed that both men were born in the Ethiopian city of Harar and are fluent Somali speakers.
The prosecution urged the court to impose a sentence consistent with the charges, arguing that such a ruling would serve as a deterrent to others considering joining Al-Shabaab and would contribute to broader efforts to safeguard national security.
Defense counsel, however, rejected the allegations, stating that the defendants deny all charges against them. The lawyer described the accusations as serious and argued that the evidence presented has not yet conclusively proven the men's involvement with the militant group.
The defense further requested that the two Ethiopian nationals be returned to Ethiopia to reunite with their families.
The First Instance Military Court said it will issue a ruling after completing its review of arguments and evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense. A final verdict is expected to be announced at a later date.