State Minister at the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem has been sacked and her ex-husband, Adam Rameez who was serving as a Minister at the President’s Office, has been suspended.

The state minister was arrested under accusations of performing black magic to “get closer” to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The arrest was made at her residence, where officers conducted a raid and confiscated several items.

Rameez is known to have been a close associate of President Muizzu, in the past.

The President’s Office has confirmed Rameez’s suspension as a minister at the office.

However, the reason for his suspension is yet to be clarified.

Shamnaz was sacked from her post as state minister, on 26 June 2024 and is now being referred to as a former state minister.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) stated that Shamnaz was arrested alongside two others on 23 June 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation.

The details and identity of the other two suspects have not been disclosed by the police institution.

They have since been remanded for a period of seven days, upon being presented to the court for their remand hearing.

According to sources, they were remanded by the Hulhumalé Magistrate Court.

Shamnaz first served at the official residence of the president, Mulee’aage.

However, she was later transferred to the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy.

This happened right after she was slapped with accusations of leaking videos of First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, participating in Karaoke.

After the Karaoke videos of the first lady went viral, some alleged that Shamnaz was transferred to the environment ministry after Sajidha expressed disapproval.