By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Attorney General has launched a criminal investigation into allegations that the Turkish Airlines station manager at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport abused his authority and violated the constitutional rights of a Somali passenger.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Office of the Attorney General said it had received a formal complaint from Abdifitaah Ahmed Hussen — a Somali content creator known online as “Somali Gamer” — who accused the station manager, Turhan Kenmen, of unlawfully preventing him from boarding a scheduled flight to Istanbul.
According to his complaint, Abdifitaah claimed that despite completing all airport security and immigration procedures, he was abruptly removed from the flight manifest and detained without explanation.
In a video circulating widely on Somali social media networks, he accused the Turkish Airlines manager of “personally ordering” his detention and orchestrating his removal from the passenger list.
The footage sparked outrage online, with thousands of viewers calling for an official response from the authorities.
“I was treated like a criminal for no reason,” he said in the video, alleging that he was detained in an airport holding area and denied the right to board the flight he had paid for.
The Attorney General’s Office said the case has now advanced to what it described as a “legal stage,” adding that necessary action will be taken once investigators complete their review of witness statements, security footage and airport documents.
The office stressed that the investigation would be conducted strictly in line with Somali law and the constitution, and reaffirmed that all citizens are entitled to full legal protection when reporting violations of their rights.
Following Abdifitaah’s public allegations, dozens of Somali travellers took to social media to share similar experiences. Many claimed they had faced intimidation, humiliation, or what they described as “arbitrary decisions” by the same Turkish Airlines representative at Mogadishu’s main international airport.
Some alleged that they were removed from flights without explanation, while others said they were spoken to disrespectfully or denied boarding after meeting all required procedures.
The reports have fuelled growing concern among Somali passengers who rely on Turkish Airlines — the only major international carrier offering direct long-haul flights from Mogadishu.
Turkish Airlines has not yet issued a public statement addressing the allegations. The airline is regarded as one of Somalia’s most significant aviation partners, operating daily flights between Mogadishu and international hubs through Turkey.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time, as public scrutiny intensifies over the conduct of some foreign aviation staff in Somalia. In recent years, management practices at Aden Adde International Airport — including those of Turkish-run companies — have occasionally sparked public debate and calls for improved oversight.
Legal analysts in Mogadishu say the outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for how foreign companies in Somalia manage passenger rights and staff conduct.
If wrongdoing is proven, it could result in criminal charges, administrative penalties, or diplomatic discussions between Somalia and Turkey, a country that maintains close political, military and economic ties with Mogadishu.
Civil society groups have welcomed the investigation, arguing that it marks a shift towards increased accountability at one of the country’s most important transportation hubs.
The Attorney General has not provided a specific timeline for the completion of the investigation, but officials say interviews with airport staff, police units, and Turkish Airlines personnel are already underway.
Abdifitaah says he hopes the case will “set a precedent” for protecting passengers from mistreatment. “What happened to me shouldn’t happen to anyone else,” he said.
With public pressure growing and many Somalis watching closely, the case is likely to remain a major national talking point until authorities announce their findings.
