Somali national charged in Sh35 million fake gold scamming suit
According to court documents, Osman allegedly obtained USD 27,000 from the complainant on June 29, 2025, after falsely claiming that he was in a position to supply 180 grammes of Singaporean gold.
A Somali national has been arraigned before the Makadara Law Courts over an alleged Sh35 million gold fraud scheme in which he is accused of duping a businesswoman into paying thousands of dollars for purported Singaporean gold that was never delivered.
Ismail Abukar Osman appeared before Principal Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe and was charged with obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.
According to court documents, Osman allegedly obtained USD 27,000 from the complainant on June 29, 2025, after falsely claiming that he was in a position to supply 180 grammes of Singaporean gold.
Prosecutors told the court that the representation was fraudulent and that the accused knew it to be false at the time he received the money.
The case is the latest in a series of gold-related fraud schemes that have continued to target investors and businesspeople through promises of lucrative precious metal deals.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) opposed Osman’s release on bond, arguing that he presents a significant flight risk.
Investigators informed the court that the accused was arrested while allegedly attempting to flee the country through Garissa en route to Somalia.
According to an affidavit filed by the investigating officer, efforts to resolve the dispute outside the criminal justice system were unsuccessful, after which Osman allegedly disappeared and went into hiding following receipt of the payment.
The prosecution further argued that the seriousness of the offence, the strength of the evidence against the accused, the possibility of interference with witnesses and the likelihood that he could abscond if released all weighed against granting bail.
The court heard that investigations into the alleged fraud are ongoing.
Principal Magistrate Shikwe did not make an immediate determination on the bond application and instead reserved his ruling.
The court is expected to deliver its decision on June 22, 2026, when it will determine whether the accused will remain in custody as the case proceeds.
