Former VP Adeeb says threats to life forced him to flee

Former Vice President of Maldives Ahmed Adeeb has been finally arrested after his arrival in the Maldives. 

Adeeb was brought back to the Maldives after trying to escape and illegally enter India on a tugboat through the port of Tuticorin before being apprehended by Indian authorities last Thursday. Adeeb's passport was held by the Supreme Court when he made his attempt to escape.

Adeeb had appealed for the UN's help in his case citing fears for his life and lack of justice in the Maldives and had appealed for asylum in India which was eventually rejected by India before he was sent into the custody of Maldivian police.

Adeeb arrived in the Male' on the coastguard vessel "Huravee" around 10:35 last night and was taken to the Criminal Court after nearly two hours in the Police headquarters.

The hearing in Criminal Court

A smiling Adeeb attended his hearing which was also attended by his wife Mariyam Nashwa and people close to him. There was no sign of sorrow visible from his face during the hearing and he even made a hand gesture to his wife at the hearing which was finally commenced around 1:17 late last night.

Police investigative officer asked for a court order to detain Adeeb into custody due to his ongoing investigations in the MMPRC corruption scandal and the fact that he tried to escape after the Supreme Court ordered for his passport to be held. 

Police also stated that Adeeb had admitted to his crimes and reached an agreement with the Prosecutor General's office to aid in the investigation. But his attempted escape was without providing the information that he had promised in the deal with the PG.

The hearing in court took a sharp turn when Adeeb divulged details regarding his escape. Adeeb explained the reasons for his escape and stated that he had entered into an agreement with the PG around two months ago and was upholding his side of the deal even as late as July 28. 

He stated that the information he was providing was something that had not been divulged before and incriminated people in high government posts, court officials, political leaders, and even parliament members. 

Adeeb stated that this resulted in him receiving threats to his life which eventually led him to try and escape. Adeeb also stated that he wanted to continue the deal he has with the Prosecutor General.

The Criminal Court last night ruled that since he was arrested in international waters and not on a boat flying a Maldivian flag or registered in the Maldives as argued by his lawyers, his arrest was unlawful and refused to remand him into custody and ordered him to be released.

Adeeb's arrest

Police arrested Adeeb around 6:37 today after stating that they were working on a second court order to arrest Adeeb after the Criminal Court hearing late last night. It was not clear whether Adeeb, who has been taken to Dhoonidhoo, was arrested under a court order or not and police have not released an official statement regarding the matter yet. 

Police also searched Adeeb's apartment on Saturday for evidence regarding his attempted escape.

Adeeb was given a 33-year jail sentence regarding several crimes, however, his conviction was later quashed by the court after which he made his attempt to escape. The only case regarding Adeeb that is currently in court is the corruption case of Lh. Maabinhuraa.