Man arrested for sexual assault of 17-year-old girl jailed pending outcome of trial

The Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court ordered for a man arrested for the sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl to be jailed pending the outcome of his trial.

Ibrahim Nihan, 22, Chichandaage, N. Landhoo, is accused of threatening and blackmailing his victim, taking her to a guesthouse, and sexually assaulting her.

The case was reported to the police on July 5, and the suspect was arrested under court order on Wednesday, July 15.

The police, in a statement on Saturday, announced the suspect has been ordered to be held in a remand jail pending the outcome of the trial, when presented for his remand hearing to the Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court.

The court, in issuing the order, noted the suspected crime involves sexual violence against a child and found that freeing the suspect from custody may expose the community to further danger.

The police said they are working on completing the investigation and forwarding the case to the Prosecutor General’s office for criminal charges.

The police have noted an increase in cases of sexual violence against children which involve blackmail and coercion, as well as cases of sexual violence against children which involve grooming through the internet , and have advised parents and guardians to increase their vigilance.

Those with information regarding crimes against children have been urged to call the Maldives Police Service’s Family and Child Protection Wing at 3000600 or the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services hotline 1412.