Somalia-based group Al-Shabaab staged an attack in Central Somalia Monday, killing a cleric and at least nine of his followers.
It can now be revealed that the cleric and his followers were targeted because of the perception by Al-Shabaab that the cleric allowed dancing and had proclaimed himself a prophet.
Abdiweli, the cleric, had vociferously denied the accusations that had been leveled against him by the terrorist group.
He is said to have hosted youths who had been engaging in playing music and dancing at his centre.
The accusations were first made last year by Al-Shabaab.
Abdiweli's centre is located in Galkayo.
Al-Shabaab has banned dancing and playing of music in the area that it controls in Somalia.
People who violate the ban are usually targeted and killed as the group seeks to establish a system in Somalia based on a medieval interpretation of Islam.