Court Releases Two Women Accused of Possessing Forged Dollars Worth Sh740,000

Qamar Salad Abdi and Halima Ali Abiyat before Principal Magistrate Paul Mutai at the Milimani Law Courts on September 2, 2025, Photo:Courtesy

Two women accused of being in possession of forged currency worth USD 5,600 (about Sh740,000) have been released on bail by a Nairobi court.

Qamar Salad Abdi and Halima Ali Abiyat appeared before Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi at the Milimani Law Courts, where they denied the charges.

The court heard that the forged notes, equivalent to Sh740,000, were found in their possession during the arrest, prompting the state to press charges against them.

Through their lawyer Mohammed Noor, the court was told that Qamar is sick and on medication for high blood pressure while Halima is nursing a two-month-old baby.

Noor asked the court to grant them lenient cash bail, arguing that they are Kenyan citizens, married, housewives, and had no record of absconding justice.

Court documents; Photo:: Courtesy

“They have cooperated with investigators from the beginning and will continue attending court if released.”said Noor

Noor also pointed out that the women had been on police bail and were re-arrested after presenting themselves in court.

Investigating officer Susan Wambugu confirmed the two had earlier been freed on police bail.

Wambugu said the OCS ordered the release of Halima after learning she was a nursing mother while Qamar was set free because of her health condition. The surety who signed for them earlier did not have sufficient money, prompting Wambugu to apologise to the court for the little amount that was accepted as police bail.

“The surety who came forward did not have enough money, and I apologise to the court for the little amount that was accepted as police bail.”said the Investigating officer.

The prosecution did not oppose bail but asked for stringent terms to ensure the two attend trial. It also told the court that other suspects are being pursued and investigations are still ongoing.

"It will be prudent to issue a surety in case the court opts for cash bail, to ensure the accused attend trial.”noted prosecution.

After listening to submissions, Magistrate Ekhubi ordered the two to take plea. They entered a not guilty plea.

In his ruling on bail, the magistrate granted each accused a bond of Sh500,000 with a surety of the same amount, or a cash bail of Sh400,000 with three contact persons.

Ekhubi also directed that Qamar be escorted to hospital for treatment if she is unable to raise bond.

Qamar Salad Abdi and Halima Ali Abiyat were arrested on August 30 at Ambwere Guest House in South B, Nairobi.

The case will be mentioned on September 18, 2025, for further directions.