A former Somali pirate hands over title deeds to his property

[Deeq A.]

Garowe ( PPM ) — SOMALI PIRATE in an unprecedented move to put his past as a pirate behind him Mr Abdirahman Ahmed Abdirahman ( aka Bakayle ) today handed over title deeds to a hotel he owned.

In a press conference held in Garowe, Abdirahman explained his decision to disclaim the hotel he had acquired illegally during his days as a pirate.

” I have decided to hand over title deeds to the property to the committee. This is the letter from the notary. I must make it clear that none of my relatives can lay claim to this property. I urge Puntland State Government to auction the house and use the proceeds in the interest of the public”.

Abdirahman made it clear that the house should not be used for religious purposes (waqf ) while his name is still being associated with it. A successful sale of the property will eliminate the possibility of the house being put into use by the government.

 Abdirham left a life of piracy more than a decade ago. “After careful introspection I have decided to hand over the property. I thank the committee for helping me in this task. Life is short” Abdirahman said.”

Abdirahman handing over the  title deeds to “an ill-gotten property” to a member of the committee

Many people in Garowe have congratulated Abdirahman for his bravery and the example he has set to disclaim ill-gotten gains. “Abdirahman has restored my hope in our people becoming more aware of the difference between a wealth gained illegally and wealth gained legally” one elder who prefers to remain anonymous told Puntland Post.

More than 12 years ago, Eyl, a coastal district in Nugaal region, became a pirates’ stronghold before Puntland Government formed an anti-piracy force. Pirates would hijack ships and demand ransom from ship owners and families of the crew.

 © Puntland Post Monthly, 2020  

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