Elias Driba Bedane, one of the six individuals recently arrested on suspicion of terrorism and violation of civil aviation law, has a complex criminal history that dates back several decades. Over the years, Elias, who has used multiple aliases including Dawit Driba Bedane and Jamal Nuru, has been implicated in a range of serious criminal activities, making his case particularly notable in the context of Ethiopian law enforcement.
Criminal History Overview: Elias Driba’s criminal activities were first recorded in Addis Ababa between 1989 and 1999, during which he was accused of participating in a series of high-profile crimes. His charges include:
- Armed Robbery: He was involved in multiple counts of violent robberies targeting businesses and residences, often involving the use of force.
- Extortion: Elias engaged in coercive practices to extract money or goods from victims, threatening them with violence or other consequences.
- Theft: He committed numerous instances of stealing property and assets from various individuals and entities across Addis Ababa.
- Burglary: Elias frequently broke into homes and businesses with the intent to commit theft or other crimes.
- Trespassing: His criminal record includes several instances of illegally entering private property without permission.
- Murder: One of the most severe charges against him, Elias was accused of multiple counts of murder during his criminal activities, which significantly heightened the public and legal concern surrounding his actions.
- Embezzlement: He was also involved in the misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to his care, further adding to his long list of offenses.
- Forgery: Elias was known for falsifying documents and signatures to deceive and commit fraud.
- Escape from Custody: On multiple occasions, Elias managed to escape from detention or prison, evading capture and continuing his criminal activities.
- Using Multiple Aliases: To avoid detection, Elias used different identities, including Dawit Driba Bedane and Jamal Nuru, making it difficult for law enforcement to track his activities.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing:
Following his arrest in the late 1990s, Elias Driba, under the alias Dawit Driba Bedane, faced multiple trials in the 2nd Criminal Court of the Federal High Court. The court proceedings were extensive, covering a wide array of charges. On December 25, 1999, Elias was sentenced to death three times for crimes including robbery, extortion, theft, burglary, and murder. The severity of these sentences underscored the gravity of his actions and their impact on the community.
However, the legal process did not conclude with these sentences. Elias’s legal team filed appeals, and after further judicial review, the court commuted his death sentences to life imprisonment. This commutation was part of a broader legal process that took into account various factors, including the appeal arguments presented by his defense. Despite the commutation, Elias remained a significant figure within the prison system, and his case continued to draw attention from both legal authorities and the public.
Recent Arrest and Charges:
The recent arrest of Elias Driba Bedane, along with five other individuals, on charges related to terrorism and civil aviation law violations, has brought his past back into focus. The circumstances of his arrest suggest that Elias may have been involved in activities that posed a threat to national security, although the full details of the case are still being investigated by the relevant authorities.
Elias’s involvement in this case, given his criminal history, raises questions about the potential connections between his past criminal activities and the current charges. Law enforcement agencies are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the nature and extent of his alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities. This investigation includes reviewing his past criminal records and any associations that may have persisted over the years.
Public and Legal Implications:
The case has attracted considerable media attention, both within Ethiopia and internationally, due to the nature of the charges and Elias Driba’s criminal history. The public response has been one of concern, particularly regarding the implications of his alleged involvement in terrorism after having been previously convicted of such serious crimes. The legal community is also closely watching the case, as it presents complex questions about the management and rehabilitation of individuals with extensive criminal backgrounds.
Moreover, the case highlights broader issues within the Ethiopian judicial and correctional systems, particularly regarding the monitoring and potential recidivism of individuals who have been convicted of serious crimes. The commutation of Elias’s death sentences to life imprisonment, while a legal decision based on appeals, has led to discussions about the effectiveness of such decisions in preventing future criminal behavior.
Elias Driba Bedane’s recent arrest on terrorism charges, in the context of his extensive criminal history, represents a significant moment in Ethiopian law enforcement. The case underscores the challenges faced by the legal system in managing individuals with a history of serious criminal activities and the importance of continued vigilance in monitoring such individuals. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to determine the full extent of his involvement and to ensure that justice is served in a manner that upholds both the rule of law and public safety.
Once found guilty in a court of law, throw him in the slammer and throw away the keys. This is a perfect example in which a court of law can apply ‘three strikes and you are out for good!’