Sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman: One suspect remanded pending trial, others' detention extended
30 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 11:20During an investigation into the sexual assault of a woman in a village within the Upper South Police Region, authorities uncovered additional cases involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors. Following these serious allegations, nine suspects were apprehended, and the court has since extended the remand periods for several of those in custody.
Suspects arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a 22-year-old woman. | police
Police have extended the remand of suspects arrested in connection with a serious investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman in a island within the Upper South Police Region.
In a message to the media, the police stated that the alleged sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman was reported to them on October 20, 2024. Authorities further revealed that as the investigation proceeds, additional related issues have been identified.
Police have stated that during the course of the investigation, several cases involving the alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of children have been identified. Consequently, the police are treating this as a matter of utmost gravity and are currently conducting an extensive investigation.
To further strengthen the investigation into this matter, a specialized team of police officers has been dispatched from Malé to the island.
The individuals arrested in connection with this case have been identified as Mohamed Maisan Shiyaz (21), Ahmed Iftisham Zareer (24), Najumulla Hassan (35), Azim Mofeed (24), Ali Huzam Saeed (31), Mohamed Salih Ahmed (26), Ahmed Nooh Niyaz (20), Mohamed Mishal Ahmed Zuhair (20), and Ahmed Sanij Sadiq (32).
Following their second court appearance for a bail hearing, the court has ordered the continued detention of the suspects arrested in connection with this case. Ahmed Noohu Niyazu has been remanded in custody pending the conclusion of his trial, while Mohamed Mishal Ahmed Zuhair was remanded for an additional 30 days. Furthermore, the court ordered Najmullah Hassan to be held for 45 days, while Mohamed Salih Ahmed and Ahmed Sanij Sadiq were remanded for an additional 5 days.
