Liton's Murder: Nizam Sentenced to 15 Years on Drug Charges
Nizam has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of diamorphine trafficking, with the court scheduled to deliver verdicts on the remaining charges during the next hearing.
In the case of Mohamed Litton’s death, the prime suspect has been identified as Mohamed Nizam, of Manaaru, GDh. Thinadhoo, who is accused of his murder. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
The Criminal Court on Sunday proceeded with the trial of Mohamed Nizam, of Manaaru, GDh. Thinadhoo, who stands accused of the murder of Bangladeshi national Mohamed Liton.
The court held a hearing on Sunday to proceed with the presentation of closing statements in this case. While closing statements were delivered for all three charges, the court has already concluded the sentencing phase for one of the counts.
Nizam has been charged in this case with intentional homicide, theft, and trafficking in diamorphine. He has already been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of the diamorphine trafficking charge. Rulings on the remaining charges are expected to be delivered during the next hearing.
During the presentation of the summary statement for these charges, the prosecution alleged that the defendant pushed Liton into the sea. The state’s case further asserts that after throwing him overboard, the defendant stole 51,000 Rufiyaa that was on the vessel.
The Prosecutor General’s Office further stated that the suspect was in possession of narcotics at the time of his arrest.
The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that although Liton’s body has not been recovered, the state will prove in court that Nizam’s actions were inherently lethal and could not have resulted in any other outcome. The prosecution further asserted that Nizam’s own statements, coupled with other evidence, provide sufficient grounds to conclude that his actions led to Liton’s death.
In this case, the defendant, Nizam, has previously stated his belief that there was undue influence exerted over the police during the investigation.
Liton and Nizam were reported missing on December 28, 2022, after communication was lost while they were out at sea on a fuel barge. During the search and rescue operation, the fuel barge they were traveling on was located near the Hulhule' channel.
Nizam was located three days after he went missing, during which time police were searching for both him and Liton. Following his discovery in Male', he was taken into custody on January 3, 2023.
He has also been charged with the alleged theft of money kept on board the vessel.
