Release of man accused of attempted murder, appealed at High Court

The case of Ibrahim “Gabbarey” Abdulla, 32 being released from police custody has been appealed at the High Court.

Abdulla, who was arrested in connection with the murder attempt on MP for Mathiveri constituency, Hassan Zareer, was released from police custody on July 6.

Relevant authorities have not disclosed to date why the suspect was freed by the court.

However, it has been noted that Abdulla has a dangerous criminal record.

The Prosecutor General’s Office appealed the case at the High Court on July 9.

The court on June 22, extended the remand of Abdulla, who was arrested under allegations of attacking MP Zareer and his remand was extended by the Criminal Court for 14 days, after the initial remand period of 30 days issued on the suspect expired.

MP Zareer was attacked inside Habibi Café and Bistro on May 1. He was not seriously injured in the assault, although he had to seek some medical treatment.

MPS earlier revealed that MP Zareer was attacked with a weapon believed to be dangerous.

So far, the police institution has arrested three individuals in connection with the case.

The suspect who was recently freed, turned himself in after police launched a manhunt for him.

Further investigations into the attempted murder are currently underway.

Abdulla was accused of being involved in a group attempting to assassinate someone using a dangerous and sharp weapon. The manhunt for the 32-year-old man was initially issued in mid-May this year. He was arrested not long after.

On June 27, another suspect was arrested and remanded in connection with the case; a 20-year-old.

The Criminal Court remanded the suspect for a period of 15 days, during a remand hearing held on Monday. His remand period expires on July 11.

According to the court order, the court has acquired enough evidence to prove the accusations against the suspect.

As such, CCTV footage had been submitted in connection with the allegations, which show that the suspect had arrived at the café where the attack took place on a motorcycle and entered with a group of other people.

The court order highlighted that the suspect was believed to have entered Habibi Café and Bistro and that it was clear from the statements of witnesses presented, that those who entered the café attacked MP Zareer.

Going by the circumstances and the contents of the intelligence report, it appears that he was involved in the violence.

Further, the court order also clarified that the suspect was arrested in connection with a similar case, earlier and that he belongs to a criminal gang operating in the congested capital, Malé City.

Considering these reasons, the court had initially decided to keep him in custody as he was considered a danger to the community.

Judge Ali Nadeem issued the Criminal Court order.