Monday 26,May 2025 {HMC}. The Somali Police Force has arrested Sharif Mohamed Ahmed, the main suspect in the killing of Abdifatah Abdi Osman (Arab), a staff member of Astaan TV and former national football player who was gunned down on Sunday morning in Mogadishu.
The police published the suspect’s photo and name on their official website but have not disclosed details regarding how or where the arrest took place. Authorities confirmed that Sharif Mohamed Ahmed will be brought before a competent court to face justice.
Abdifatah Arab, who was working with Astaan TV, was killed while on duty, according to a statement issued by the television station. He was also a well-known athlete, having captained Sahafi FC and played for top Somali clubs including Elman and Banadir Telecom. He had also represented the Somali national team multiple times.
“We share the grief with all the staff, relatives, and family of Abdifatah Abdi Osman (Arab), a national level athlete and a valued member of the Astaan TV team,” Astaan TV said in a statement.
The Somali National Youth Council and Sports groups strongly condemned the killing, calling it a brutal act against a dedicated public figure who served both the media and the sports sectors of Somalia.
The killing has sparked widespread outrage across social media and among civil society organizations, who have called on the government to strengthen protections for journalists and public figures working in volatile conditions.
