The man who was arrested on suspicion of throwing black engine oil on Mariyam “Mandhy” Zubair, a prominent figure in the political activities of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has been released from police custody.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) on March 29 revealed that Ahmed Rishmah, 20 and native to Dhaandhoo island of Gaaf Alif atoll, was arrested in connection with the black oil attack on Mandhy.

The police institution noted that he was arrested under a court order on March 27.

The Criminal Court initially remanded the suspect for a 15-day period. On March 28, the Criminal Court extended his detention for 15 more days.

The remand order stated that the suspect did not deny riding the motorcycle at the time of the incident. The police institution has also accused him of property damage and making threats.

Upon the expiration of the remand period, he was released with conditions on April 12. Upon being presented to the Criminal Court he was released with conditions as he agreed to cooperate with the investigation. The police had requested leniency in his remand as well.

The 20-year-old was previously arrested on suspicion of assault. He was also arrested in February on suspicion of attempting to engage in a fight.

The incident where a group doused Mandhy in black engine oil occurred on the night of March 16, in the area where Woodberry Restaurant is located in the capital Malé City. It was reported that the black engine oil was thrown by individuals riding a motorcycle, wearing helmets and masks.

According to an eyewitness, the two individuals who threw the black engine oil were following Mandhy from the area the MDP main office is located, on Chaandhanee Magu.

Regarding the incident, Mandhy asserted that this was done by certain individuals sent under the influence of a particular group. Mandhy also stated that she would not say that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his wife, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed do not have a hand in this matter.

Regarding the attack, MPS took Mandhy's statement on March 19.