Somali National News Agency
So
Ar
Search
  • Home
  • Local News
    Local NewsShow More
    The Federal Government of Somalia clarifies WFP warehouse allegations
    January 8, 2026
    ICA launches investigation into alleged use of Somalia’s airspace by a fugitive political figure
    January 8, 2026
    Middle Shabelle Governor Delivers Livestock to Government Forces in Wargaadhi
    January 8, 2026
    Banadir Governor Lays Foundation Stone for Jamhuuriya Road in Karaan District
    January 8, 2026
    Chinese Foreign Minister to visit four countries including Somalia
    January 8, 2026
  • World News
    World NewsShow More
    Laureates of King Faisal Prize 2026 to Be Announced On Wednesday
    January 6, 2026
    Libyan Army Chief and Top Military Brass Perish in Aviation Disaster Near Ankara Following High-Level Defense Talks
    December 24, 2025
    Russia–Africa: New Horizons for Old Friends
    December 19, 2025
    International Non-Profit Sector Forum opens in Riyadh with 1,500 specialists in attendance
    December 4, 2025
    Small innovations, big impact: How China leverages technology to enhance daily life
    November 28, 2025
  • Articles
    ArticlesShow More
    Draw a New Blueprint For China’s Development and Jointly Write a New Chapter in China-Somalia Cooperation
    December 31, 2025
    January Brings a Historic First as Somalia Leads the UN Security Council
    December 21, 2025
    Mogadishu’s Skyline Undergoes Rapid Transformation as Improved Security Fuels an Unprecedented Construction Boom in One of the World’s Fastest-Growing Cities
    December 19, 2025
    65 years on, China-Somalia relations thrive
    December 15, 2025
    A Challenge to Somali Men and a Wake-Up Call for Women
    December 8, 2025
  • Business
    BusinessShow More
    America’s Tariff Weaponization: An Economic Analysis of 500% Tariffs and the Inevitable Bipolar Bifurcation
    October 19, 2025
    Somalia Unveils the Blueprint for a Modern and Sustainable Mogadishu
    December 21, 2024
    Djibouti Launches $57.4 Million Youth Entrepreneurship Project to Combat Climate Change
    November 25, 2024
    FM meets Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia
    October 28, 2024
    President Hassan Sheikh Inaugurates New LPG Storage Center in Mogadishu
    May 12, 2024
  • Sports
    SportsShow More
    Somalia Falls to Oman in Penalty Shootout After Strong Performance in Arab Cup Qualifier
    November 26, 2025
    Somalia’s U-17 National Team Concludes CECAFA Campaign with a Strong Victory
    November 24, 2025
    Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, South Sudan set eyes on FIFA Arab Cup
    November 24, 2025
    Somali Ambassador to Kenya Congratulates Dekadaha FC on Historic CAF Confederation Cup Victory
    September 28, 2025
    Somalia’s Dekadaha FC faces Sudan’s Alzamala Sports Club in Nairobi
    September 20, 2025
  • Tenders
    TendersShow More
Reading: The Deceptive Killer Hiding in Plain Sight: The Tragic Tale of Dr. Fanah
Share
Font ResizerAa
Somali National News AgencySomali National News Agency
  • SOMALI
  • ARABIC
Search
  • Home
  • Local News
  • World News
  • Articles
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Tenders
Follow US
©2023 || All rights reserved SONNA
Somali National News Agency > Blog > Articles > The Deceptive Killer Hiding in Plain Sight: The Tragic Tale of Dr. Fanah
Articles

The Deceptive Killer Hiding in Plain Sight: The Tragic Tale of Dr. Fanah

By Osman
Last updated: February 9, 2023
5 Min Read
Share

The thought of a killer hiding among us in plain sight is a chilling one. It raises questions about the trust we place in our neighbors and the strangers we encounter in our daily lives. The idea that someone who looks like a normal, everyday person could be capable of such heinous acts is a fear that has been exploited by movies, books, and TV shows for years. But the reality is that these types of individuals do exist, and they often slip through the cracks of society, blending in with the rest of us.

These people may have a job, a family, and a social circle, but they are hiding a dark side that they keep carefully concealed from the world. They use their charisma and charm to manipulate those around them, making it nearly impossible to suspect their true nature.

The truth is that these killers can be found in any community and can take on many different forms. They may be a coworker, a neighbor, or even a family member. The fact that they can live among us for years, unnoticed and undiscovered, is a scary reminder of how little we truly know about those around us.

It is a sobering thought that the person sitting next to us on the bus, standing in line at the grocery store, or sharing a meal with us at a restaurant, could be hiding a sinister

secret. This is a reminder to always stay vigilant and to never take the trust we place in others for granted. It’s a wake-up call to be aware of our surroundings and to always listen to our instincts. Because sometimes, the greatest threat to our safety is the killer hiding in plain sight

A recent case in Somalia serves as a haunting example of a killer hiding in plain sight. A man, known as “Dr. Fanah”, was sentenced to death by a military court for being a top operative of the terror group Al-Shabaab. Despite his fake credentials, he managed to fool everyone for years as he posed as a neurosurgeon and sometimes as a military general. He used his disguise to carry out deadly missions assigned to him by the group.

Dr. Fanah’s ability to blend in with society and deceive those around him highlights the very real threat of individuals hiding in plain sight. He took advantage of the lack of a nationally accepted identity card system in Somalia and had multiple false IDs, including one from the UNDP, to further his disguise.

Dr. Fanah’s journey from a member of Al-Shabaab to a highly respected neurosurgeon highlights the dangers of individuals hiding in plain sight. Despite his association with the terror group as far back as 2007, he was able to disguise himself as a medical professional and carry out his missions without detection.

It wasn’t until he was found suspiciously dressed in a military.

uniform in Beledweyne town, 335 km north of Mogadishu, that his true identity was revealed. The fact that he was able to fool people for so long serves as a cautionary tale about the need to always be vigilant and never take trust for granted.

His admission that he chose to disguise as a neurosurgeon because other specialisations seemed more complex, shows the level of cunning and deception that individuals are capable of. It’s a reminder to never underestimate the abilities of those who wish to do harm, and to always be cautious and stay alert to potential threats in our communities.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of our surroundings and to never take trust for granted. Despite the many years he spent hiding in plain sight, Dr. Fanah was eventually caught and brought to justice. It’s a reminder that no matter how cunning and deceptive these killers may be, they can always be brought to light.

By Abdiqani Abdullahi

Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Email Copy Link Print

MORE NEWS

A Challenge to Somali Men and a Wake-Up Call for Women

ArticlesCulture
December 8, 2025

Global Council for Tolerance and Peace Applauds Somalia’s Determination Toward Peace, Stability, and Development

Mogadishu, SONNA — The Global Council for Tolerance and Peace has expressed deep appreciation for…

December 10, 2025

Turkish Red Crescent distributes food parcels in Somalia

MOGADISHU (SONNA):Turkish Red Crescent conducted food distribution in Mogadishu's Kahda district on Saturday. Red Crescent…

April 25, 2021

US imposes fresh visa restrictions on Ugandan officials over poll

NAIROBI (SONNA):The United States says it is imposing visa restrictions on “those believed to be…

April 17, 2021

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Diplomatic Renaissance: Somalia’s Strategic Reawakening in the Horn of Africa and Beyond

By Daud Aweis “Diplomacy is the art of building bridges, not walls.’’ - Chanakya Somalia continues to achieve significant diplomatic…

Articles
February 17, 2025

Al-Shabaab Faces Crisis as More Fighters Defect: Leaders in Panic as Militants Abandon the Group

The insurgent group Al-Shabaab has been progressively losing their footing in recent times, with their influence and authority dwindling on…

Articles
February 26, 2023

Somalia’s Fight Against Corruption: A Long Road Ahead

Somalia, a country located in the Horn of Africa, has long been plagued by political instability, violence, and corruption. Corruption…

Articles
May 14, 2023

Somalia Joins the World in Observing International Mother Language Day

The World today celebrates the annual observance of the 21st of February as International Mother Language day, a significant event…

Articles
February 21, 2023

Somali National News Agency established in 1964. It is one of the main pillars of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.

  • Home
  • Local News
  • World News
  • Articles
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Tenders
  • SNTV
  • RADIO MOGADISHU
  • DALKA JOURNAL
  • TOURISM DEPARTMENT

Follow US: 

  • MoICT
  • VILLA SOMALIA
  • OPM SOMALIA

All rights reserved SONNA

©2023

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?