He was commander of forces in Beledweyne after the Battle of Beledweyne. On January 7, 2007 he was arrested by Ethiopian troops for releasing Islamic Court Union (ICU) leader Sheik Farah Moalim Mohammed, based on the written authority of local elders, setting off controversy and violent protests.
Following the Battle of Beledweyne, he took command of forces in the area. On January 7, 2007, he was detained by Ethiopian troops for releasing ICU leader Sheik Farah Moalim Mohammed, as authorized by local community leaders, leading to widespread outrage and unrest.