Daud dismissed over false statement in Yumnu case

Daud Ahmed, the Under Secretary for Digital Strategy at the President's Office and brother of Raud Ahmed Zilaal, has been dismissed from his position for giving a false statement to the investigation regarding the incident where 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed fell from the stairwell window on the ninth floor of H. Fentenoy.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’ on Wednesday, Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office, Heena Waleed revealed that as part of the measures being taken to implement the report of the Special Commission established by the president to investigate the incident that occurred in capital Malé City in the early hours of April 18.

Daud, who was serving as the Under Secretary for Digital Strategy at the President's Office, has been dismissed from his position as the commission's report highlighted that he had given a false statement to the investigation.

The Presidential Commission's report submitted to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu regarding Yumnu’s fall incident stated that Daud had called and messaged Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan. However, when questioned during the commission's investigation, Daud gave a false statement saying he had not called any senior government official, police officer, or minister regarding the matter.

However, in the statement given to the commission by Minister Ihusaan regarding the case, he said that Daud called on the night of April 18, and he answered the phone and spoke with him, and also replied to his messages. The commission's report also states that Minister Ihusaan said he has known Daud since the 2023 Presidential election.

In addition to this, in connection with the case, the commission has advised to investigate Daud’s negligence on par with Raud's, as they were aware of the information that Yumnu had fallen but did not inform any relevant authority.

Major allegations have been directed at Minister Ihusaan and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen for heavily influencing the investigation of Yumnu’s case.

Many have claimed that the extent of influence exerted is evident from Minister Ameen calling former Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau while the first police press conference regarding the case was ongoing. This was also noted in the commission's report.

Although a no-confidence motion was submitted to the People's Majlis against Minister Ameen, government lawmakers voted against passing the no-confidence motion, defending his position.

In the series of protests calling for justice for Yumnu, there were also calls for the resignation of Minister Ameen in addition to Minister Ihusaan. However, protesters alleged that these two individuals are very influential in the current government and that even President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu would not dare to dismiss them from their positions.