Controversy erupts following Yameen's allegations regarding Housing Ministry arson

The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has instructed the police to launch an investigation following controversial remarks by former President Yameen, who claimed that the Housing Ministry was intentionally set on fire.

In a post on X on Sunday night, the Minister of Homeland Security, Labour, and Technology, Ali Ihusan, stated that during a speech delivered on September 5, 2026, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom asserted that the buildings had been intentionally set on fire and explicitly claimed that the police are aware of the perpetrator's identity.

"I have requested the Maldives Police Service to clarify the information he possesses regarding this matter and to investigate any further leads that may require scrutiny. Additionally, I have formally asked the National Integrity Commission to investigate the allegations made by the former President against the police," Ihusan stated.

The Minister further stated that a joint investigation conducted by the Maldives Police Service and international forensic experts into the fire that destroyed three government ministry buildings has concluded the incident was caused by an electrical short circuit. According to the Minister, police informed him that the investigation found no evidence to support criminal charges against any individual in connection with the case.

Minister Ihusan’s remarks come at a time when relevant authorities had previously declined to disclose any information regarding the progress of the investigation, despite repeated inquiries into the matter.