Hirshabelle State security authority arrested businessmen who have been en route to Gamboole to meet leaders Al-Shabab fighters there, according to police officials.
Police officials in Jowhar said the businessmen were apprehended by the state security agents while they were heading to area controlled by Al-Shabaab.
Police also said they were aware that an Al-Shabab court based in Gamboole summoned the businessmen in Jowhar earlier and that the group were complying the orders.
The businessmen are currently in detention in Jowhar police station, whereby police officials are attempting to take them to the regional court.
Among the businessmen who were arrested are wholesalers based in Jowhar town, the seat of Hirshabelle State.
Previously the police and the state authorities of Hirshabelle warned locals against seeking Al-Shabab justice despite many locals prefering Al-Shabab courts for their cases.
Al-Shabab has been holding continuous meetings with business people in the cities controlled by the government and sources privy to these meetings claim that the group has been advocating for financial support from the business community.
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