Police officer accused of skipping oath files Supreme Court case

An officer of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) who falsely claimed during a High Court hearing that he had not taken the police oath has submitted a case to the Supreme Court, challenging his remand.

Mohamed Saajid Ahmed, a Special Constabulary Constable from Thinadhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll, filed the case after being re-arrested and detained for 20 days. The re-arrest followed a lower court ruling that action should be taken against him for lying under oath during his hearing.

Sajid was initially arrested in connection with the possession of e-cigarettes, during which drugs were also discovered. A search of his residence and motorcycle led to the seizure of a significant quantity of tobacco, vape devices, vape cartridges, and approximately 191.92 grams of suspected narcotics.

In the High Court, Saajid claimed he had never taken the police oath. However, he admitted to working in the role of Special Constable and receiving a salary, despite asserting that he had not formally completed the oath process. He stated that although he attended the official oath-taking ceremony, he chose not to recite the oath when it was administered.

The High Court rejected Saajid’s claim, stating it was unacceptable for someone to deny taking the oath after participating in an official ceremony where it was legally required, working in the position for an extended period, and drawing a salary.

The Supreme Court has not yet announced whether it will accept Saajid’s case challenging his remand.