Rukia Suleiman stands outside the Mombasa High Court as she prepares to face fraud charges involving her former boyfriend. (Photo: Entertainment)
The High Court in Mombasa has allowed a criminal case against a trader accused of defrauding her Dutch former boyfriend of Sh2.2 million to proceed.
Justice Jairus Ngaah dismissed a petition by Rukia Suleiman seeking to stop the criminal proceedings. The case concerns money allegedly sent by Zula Abdallah to purchase land and build a home in Mombasa.
Suleiman argued that the dispute arose from a failed relationship rather than criminal deception. However, the judge ruled that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) could proceed with the charges.
Court Rejects Bid to Stop Trial
Suleiman had asked the High Court to quash Criminal Case No. E477 of 2024 before the Mombasa Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Justice Ngaah clarified that allowing the trial to continue did not amount to a finding of guilt. He said Suleiman would retain the right to present her defence before the trial court.
The ruling leaves the prosecution free to present its evidence and allows the accused to challenge the allegations during the proceedings.
Dutch Man Alleges Sh2.25 Million Loss
According to the charge sheet, Suleiman allegedly obtained Sh2,249,877.77 from Abdallah between May 25, 2020, and February 13, 2024.
Abdallah claimed he began sending money after proposing marriage in 2019. He said the funds were intended to purchase land and construct a shared home in Vikwathani, Mombasa County.
The Dutch national further alleged that he travelled to Kenya in February 2024 to finalise wedding plans. However, he claimed he found Suleiman living in the house with another man and was turned away from the property.
Suleiman Denies Fraud Allegations
Suleiman denied promising to marry Abdallah or build a home together. She maintained that she financed the property through earnings from her clothes-selling business in Kenya and Tanzania.
She also disputed the amount allegedly received from Abdallah. According to her defence, the transfers were mainly small payments for lunch and airtime.
Suleiman further said Abdallah sent Sh70,000 for burial expenses and other money intended for roofing work on his separate property in Likoni.
Trial to Proceed in Mombasa
The High Court decision clears the way for the case to continue at the Mombasa Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutors will have to prove the fraud allegations during the trial. Suleiman will also have an opportunity to challenge the evidence and present her defence.
The court has not determined whether the accused committed any offence. The case will now proceed to hearing and determination before the trial court.
