Puntland Court Sentences Woman to Death for Killing of Teen Girl

GOOBJOOG NEWS | GAALKACYO: A court in Puntland State has sentenced Hodan Mohamoud Diriye to death by firing squad after finding her guilty of murdering 14-year-old Saabiriin Saylaan Abdulle, a case that has triggered days of protests and widespread public anger.

The First-Degree Court of Mudug Region delivered the verdict after reviewing video evidence that prosecutors said showed sustained abuse leading to the girl’s death. Court chairman Mohamed Abdulsalam said the ruling was issued as retributive justice under Somali law.

Hodan’s lawyer argued she suffered from mental illness, but the court rejected the claim, saying evidence presented did not support the defence.

In a separate decision, the court sentenced Hodan’s husband, Abdicaziiz Hashi Nur, to one year in prison and a US$500 fine for his involvement.

Saabiriin’s body remained in a morgue for 10 days as the case drew intense national attention, with protests erupting in Gaalkacyo and security tightened in the city amid calls for justice and stronger protections for children.