Former MP Nihan's passport withheld

Former MP for Villimalé constituency, Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik’s passport has been withheld.

Controller of Immigrations Mohamed Ahmed Hussain confirmed the matter to RaajjeMV and media official at the Maldives Police Service (MPS) revealed that Nihan’s passport was withheld in connection to the massive case of graft involving the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), while he was at the airport for departure.

Nihan was summoned for questioning at the Presidential Commission on Corruption and State Asset Recovery regarding the largest embezzlement case of the country’s history, during October this year.

He was questioned regarding the MMPRC embezzlement as well as his apartment in Hulhumalé.

Nihan is to have requested for an opportunity to appoint legal representation for the investigation and some local news outlets reported that he was granted the request, following which investigations were pushed back.

The ex-MP did not directly respond to inquiries regarding the matter, by RaajjeMV.

The station was also unable to get a comment from him regarding the withholding of his passport on Tuesday, as he failed to answer calls.

The ex-MP is to have asserted that he bought the MVR 4.7 million apartment with his legally earned income. Nihan is accused of having amassed his wealth unlawfully, which he dismissed.