Journalist Abdirahman Hassan Mohamed (Jakataa, Director of Gacal Media was arrested on 26 May 2026 in Baidoa, South West State, allegedly on the orders of Bay Regional Police Commander Sadiq Ahmed Doodishe and executed by officers of the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headed by Dahir Hassan Omar. The incident was recorded in Baidoa city. The arrest came a day after interviews were published by the director of Gacal media featuring women khat traders who alleged officers from the Somali federal police unit known as “Haramcad” opened fire in Baidoa market and looted khat and mobile phones on 25 May 2026.

According to the journalist, he was summoned to the Baidoa police station and arrested upon his arrival. Authorities reportedly told him that his detention was related to the publication of interviews in which khat traders alleged misconduct by members of the Somali federal police unit known as “Haramcad.” He was detained for 48 hours without being formally charged, and no legal basis or specific provision of law was provided to justify his arrest or detention. Abdirahman Hassan Mohamed was released on 28 May 2026.