DPP secures extradition of Afghan national wanted in the US
DPP secures extradition of Afghan national wanted in the US
The Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has scored a major legal victory after a Nairobi court granted extradition orders against an Afghan national wanted in the United States on serious drug and weapons charges.
In a statement on Tuesday, May 13, the ODPP said Senior Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi on Tuesday gave the green light for the extradition of Abdul Zahir Qadeer, also known as Haji Abdul Zahir.
“The DPP, through Principal Prosecution Counsel Victor Owiti, persuaded the court that the offences for which the fugitive is sought are indeed extraditable, as they also amount to offences under Kenyan law.
“Owiti urged the court to issue an order for the extradition and surrender of the fugitive to the United States of America to face the charges for which the US sought his extradition. He further informed the court that Abdul Zahir Qadeer would be afforded an opportunity to defend himself before the U.S. court,” the statement read.
The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York had issued an international warrant of arrest against Qadeer.
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Interpol had also issued a Red Notice against him on April, 14, 2025.
Qadeer will face charges including conspiracy to import narcotics, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
“The U.S. District Court warrant of arrest and the Red Notice were in force, when he was arrested at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi,” the statement further read.
This comes a day after the High Court in Nairobi denied bail to a Lebanese national accused of narcoterrorism and money laundering.
In a statement on Monday, May 13, the ODPP said Antoine Kassiss who is wanted in the United States had moved to the High Court seeking to be released on bond pending his extradition.
However, according to the ODPP, Justice Alexander Muteti rejected the plea and directed that the extradition order issued earlier be enforced.
“Antoine Kassiss, suspected of involvement in narcoterrorism and money laundering, had filed an application in court seeking to be released on bail.
“The United States, through an official extradition request to the Republic of Kenya, is seeking the arrest and extradition of Antoine Kassiss to the U.S. to face charges of conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism and money laundering,” the statement read.
Kassiss’ extradition is now scheduled for May 21, 2025.
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