Puntland carries out qisas sentence in Galkaacyo murder case

Puntland authorities on Tuesday carried out a qisas (retributive justice) sentence against a woman convicted of killing a 14-year-old girl, in a case that has drawn significant public attention across the region.

The convicted woman, identified as Hodan Maxamuud, was executed in the city of Galkacyo after the family of the victim, Saabiirin Saylaan Cabdille, chose to pursue justice under Islamic Sharia law. Officials said the execution followed the completion of all legal procedures and the consent of the victim’s family, as required under qisas provisions.

According to court findings, Hodan was found guilty of subjecting the teenage girl, who worked in her household, to repeated and severe abuse that ultimately led to the girl’s death. The court relied on multiple pieces of evidence during the trial, including materials obtained by security agencies, which supported the prosecution’s case.

Puntland judicial authorities stated that the sentence was implemented in line with Islamic law and regional regulations governing serious crimes, particularly murder. The regional administration has previously announced a firm policy of applying Sharia-based justice in murder cases, especially in Mudug region, as part of broader efforts to curb violent crime and improve public security in Galkacyo.

Officials noted that this is the first time in many years that a qisas sentence has been carried out against a woman in Puntland for a murder conviction. The last execution in the region was reported in 2013, when several individuals convicted of terrorism-related crimes were put to death following court rulings.

The Puntland administration reiterated that the enforcement of the sentence was intended to uphold justice, deter serious crimes, and reinforce the rule of law. Authorities also emphasized that all such cases are handled through the courts and in accordance with established legal and religious frameworks.