A Nairobi Magistrate’s Court has delayed the plea hearing for Abdullahi Maalim, a director at Sahal Agro Holdings Limited, who is charged with conspiring to defraud Sh 172 million. Maalim appeared before Principal Magistrate Caroline Mugo, following instructions from High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye, but did not enter a plea as anticipated.
The court refrained from proceeding, citing existing orders from the Malindi High Court that prevent Maalim’s arrest and prosecution. Magistrate Mugo emphasized that as long as these orders are in place, the court cannot move forward with the plea without risking contempt. The Malindi High Court case is scheduled for mention on June 18 for further directions.
Sahal Agro Holdings Director Faces Setback in Sh172 Million Land Fraud Case
Maalim, along with co-accused Nyareru David Bosire and others not present in court, is alleged to have conspired on May 19, 2021, in Mombasa to defraud Sh 172,202,000 by creating a fraudulent lease agreement for land known as Galana Ranch/Block 1/1, avoiding rental arrears owed to the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC).
Additionally, Maalim faces a separate charge of forging a lease document for the same land between February 10 and 17, 2021, falsely claiming it was issued by ADC. The case will be mentioned again on June 23 to update on the Malindi High Court proceedings.
