A security minister to Jubaland state who has been in detention escaped on Tuesday from a prison on Tuesday, Radio Garowe reports.
Abdirashid Janan has been in detention since August last year after he was arrested by authorities at Aden Adde International Airport for commiting "serious crimes".
Somalia's Deputy Police Commander Zakia Hussen said Tuesday that the minister is currently being pursued by authorities.
"Wasiirkii hore Amniga Jubbaland Cabdirashid Xasan (Janan) ayaa saakay ka baxsaday halkii u ku xirnaa, heyadaha amniga ayaa ku raad jooga, inay gacanta kusoo dhigaan eedeysanahaas oo loo haysto danbiyo kala duwan, shacabkuna ay soo wargaliyaan hadii ay arkaan.#Mogadishu," she said.
This loosely translates to: "Former security minister of Jubaland Abdirashid Hassan Janan has this morning escaped a prison where he was held. Security agencies are pursuing to arrest him the convict."
Although the federal government does not recognize him as minister, Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe is yet to relieve him off the duties.
Various rights groups welcomed his arrest last year, accusing him of commiting various atrocities within Gedo region.
His arrest came few days after he allegedly worked with KDF troops to block Ethiopian and Somalia delegation from accessing Kismayo Airport.
The Jubaland authorities were accused of blocking the plane so that to rig in Madobe during the August polls.