An investigation conducted by Sunatimes News Agency reportedly uncovered evidence showing that a bank account linked to a company allegedly owned by the police commander received transfers totaling approximately $16.7 million dollars.

The investigation also claims to have obtained evidence indicating that Moalim Mahdi constructed multiple luxury properties in Muqdisho and Nairobi during the past several years.

"Most Corrupt Banadir Police Commander”

A senior officer within Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) reportedly described the Banadir police chief as:

"The most corrupt commander ever to lead the Banadir regional police.”

Another source, who requested anonymity and described himself as one of Moalim Mahdi’s former associates, told Sunatimes that the police commander became one of Somalia’s fastest-rising wealthy figures during the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

According to the source:

"After President Hassan Sheikh, Moalim Mahdi became the second individual to rapidly accumulate enormous wealth within four years.”

Allegations of Profiting From Demolitions

A property registration manager operating one of Muqdisho’s best-known notary offices told Sunatimes that:

"Every piece of land that gets demolished, Commander Moalim Mahdi receives a 10 percent share.”

Human rights organizations, civil society groups, opposition leaders, intellectuals, and residents of Muqdisho have accused the Banadir police commander of overseeing some of the worst human rights abuses linked to forced evictions in the capital’s recent history.

The commander is accused of:

• Displacing nearly 800,000 families

• Overseeing operations that allegedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians

• Arresting nearly 500 people linked to disputed land ownership cases

Critics say many displaced residents possessed legal ownership documents before their homes were demolished.

Response to Corruption and Human Rights Allegations

Sunatimes reporters contacted Moalim Mahdi by telephone and asked whether he feared future prosecution over corruption allegations and human rights abuses.

According to the report, the commander responded by stating that he maintained strong relations with senior American security officials operating in Somalia and therefore did not fear legal consequences.

The allegations could not be independently verified, and no official public response has yet been issued by Somali authorities regarding the claims.

Past Links and Political Protection Allegations

The report further alleges that Colonel Mahdi Omar Mumin was previously associated with Somalia’s former Islamic Courts structures and had earlier links to the militant group Al-Shabaab before later joining the federal government security apparatus.

The commander is also described as belonging to the Saleebaan Habargidir sub-clan of the Hawiye clan family.

Meanwhile, Somali Police Commissioner Asad Diyaano is reportedly concerned about the conduct of the Banadir police commander but has remained publicly silent due to the commander’s close relationship with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Sources familiar with internal government discussions claim that Moalim Mahdi was entrusted with overseeing sensitive land-related operations in Muqdisho under the current administration.

Growing Pressure Over Muqdisho Evictions

The allegations emerge amid growing national and international criticism over forced evictions and demolitions taking place across Muqdisho.

Human rights advocates warn that large-scale displacement operations have pushed hundreds of thousands of vulnerable families deeper into poverty while contributing to instability, homelessness, and social unrest in the Somali capital.

As political tensions continue to rise across Somalia, opposition figures and civil society activists are increasingly demanding independent investigations into alleged corruption, land seizures, and abuses committed during eviction operations in Muqdisho.

Investigative Report – Sunatimes News Agency

Mogadishu, Somalia