Somalia’s Banadir regional police command has denied reports that officers raided the offices of Hormuud Telecom in Mogadishu, dismissing claims that security personnel entered the company’s premises and conducted searches as false.
The denial followed the widespread circulation of reports on social media on Sunday, October 18, claiming that police officers had entered two Hormuud facilities in the Somali capital while acting under a court order.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 19, the Banadir regional police command, led by Macallin Mahdi, said no such operation had taken place at the telecommunications company’s offices.
“The Banadir Regional Police Command clarifies that reports circulating on social media claiming that officers from the Banadir regional police entered Hormuud company offices and were conducting investigations there are false and entirely baseless,” the command said in a statement.
The reports had identified two locations where the alleged searches were said to have taken place: Hormuud’s premises at Bakara Market and the company’s main administrative headquarters along Airport Road in Mogadishu.
However, the police command rejected the claims, maintaining that the reports circulating online did not reflect events at the company’s facilities.
The statement did not provide further details about the origins of the reports or explain whether any separate investigation involving the company was under way.
Spreading False Information
Alongside denying the reports, the Banadir police command warned media organisations and social media users against publishing unverified information, saying those who deliberately create or distribute fabricated reports could face legal consequences.
The command said it would take action against individuals found to have intentionally spread false information intended to mislead the Somali public.
“The command warns media outlets and social media users against spreading unverified reports and clarifies that anyone who deliberately creates or circulates false information of this nature will face legal action in accordance with the laws of the country,” the statement added.
Police also urged members of the public to verify information through official channels before sharing it, warning against the circulation of misleading claims online.
“Members of the public are encouraged to verify information through official sources and refrain from spreading misleading reports,” the command said.