By Hanad Abdi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, 3 October 2026 — A dispute over a card game resulted in the death of a Somali police officer, prompting the Armed Forces Court to sentence the accused to death under qisas, or retribution under Islamic law.
Police Corporal Nuur Ibrahim Sahal was charged with the intentional killing of Liban Nur Sooc, who served alongside him in the police unit responsible for tax protection and security. The incident took place in Mogadishu’s Hamar Jajab district on July 12, 2026.
According to details presented in the case, the accused became angry after being denied the opportunity to join a card game being played by fellow officers, reportedly because he was unfamiliar with the game.
Nuur Ibrahim Sahal allegedly took an AK-47 rifle and sought to force his way into the game. However, Liban Nur Sooc maintained his decision to deny him entry.
The situation subsequently escalated into violence. According to the case report, the accused opened fire on Sooc with the AK-47, resulting in his death.
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Following an investigation, the Office of the Military Prosecutor requested that the case proceed to trial. The request was approved on October 1, 2026.
After hearing the case and allowing both parties sufficient time to present their arguments, the court sentenced Nuur Ibrahim Sahal to death under qisas in connection with the killing of Liban Nur Sooc.
The ruling was announced to the media by Colonel Hassan Ali Nur Shuute, Chairman of the First Instance Court of the Somali Armed Forces.
The ruling concludes the case at the first-instance court level. However, no further details have been provided regarding the status of any appeal or the date scheduled for carrying out the sentence.