Nizam sentenced to 25 years in prison for Liton's murder!
The Criminal Court has sentenced Mohamed Nizam of Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo to 25 years in prison after finding him guilty of charges related to the death of Bangladeshi national Mohamed Litton. Nizam was convicted of causing death through negligence, theft, and drug trafficking; however, with time already served in custody deducted from his sentence, he is now required to serve just over 21 years in prison.
Mohamed Nizam, of Manaaru in Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo, who was arrested on suspicion of murdering Bangladeshi national Mohamed Liton. | RaajjeMV
Mohamed Nizam (Manaru, GDh. Thinadhoo) has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of Bangladeshi national Mohamed Liton.
In this case, Nizam has been charged with intentional homicide, theft, and trafficking in diamorphine. He was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of the diamorphine trafficking charge.
Although the state initially charged the defendant with intentional homicide, the evidence and circumstances presented led to a conviction on the lesser charge of death by negligence. The standard sentence for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment.
The state prosecutor stated that there are aggravating factors in this case that warrant an increase in the sentencing grade. The prosecutor further noted that the defendant has prior criminal convictions, which also serves as a ground for enhancing the sentence.
Furthermore, the prosecution highlighted several aggravating factors, including the fact that his actions resulted in the loss of Litton’s life and that the victim is survived by a wife and two children. The state also noted Nizam’s conduct throughout the investigation and subsequent trial, pointing out that he has shown no remorse for his crimes.
Consequently, the prosecution has requested a five-degree sentencing enhancement. With this enhancement, the state has sought a total prison sentence of 25 years.
The standard sentence for the theft charges brought against him is one year in prison. After considering all aggravating and mitigating circumstances, the prosecution has requested that he be sentenced to a one-year prison term.
However, the defense counsel argued that Nizam’s sentence should be reduced to less than 10 years. As justification, the lawyer noted that he is a productive, self-sufficient individual and a well-regarded member of society. Consequently, the counsel requested the court to grant him the most lenient sentence possible.
When granted the opportunity to speak during the hearing, Nizam stated that since the state has accused him of murder, there must be a deceased victim. He further contended that he was convicted without a proper review of the evidence.
Although Litton's body has not been recovered, the state alleges that he was pushed overboard into the sea. The prosecution further claims that after throwing him overboard, the defendant stole 51,000 Rufiyaa that was on the vessel.
The Prosecutor General's Office stated that he was in possession of narcotics at the time of his arrest.
Nizam has been in custody in connection with this case since January 3, 2023. He has spent a total of 3 years, 1 month, and 29 days in detention.
After considering the arguments presented by both sides, the presiding judge sentenced Nizam to 25 years in prison for the murder of Litton. With the time already served in custody deducted from the sentence, he is required to serve a remaining prison term of 21 years, 10 months, and 1 day.
He was sentenced to one year in prison after being found guilty of theft.
The case was concluded at the Criminal Court by Judge Mohamed Misbah.
