Closed remand hearing for murder suspect Nizam

The Criminal Court has decided to hold a closed hearing to decide on the remand of the man who was arrested Tuesday for murder, after initially being reported missing along with his alleged victim.

Mohamed Nizam, 45, Manaaru, GDh. Thinadhoo; and Mohamed Liton, 35, Bangladesh, was reported missing after departing from Vilimale’ on a fuel boat on December 28. The boat was found adrift off Hulhule’ the next day.

On Monday, a Twitter user posted a selfie with one of the missing men - Nizam - at a café in Male’ City. The police, who had been searching for the missing men via sea, expanded their search to Male’. He was arrested under court order Tuesday, on suspicion of murder.

While the police declined to disclose details regarding the murder investigation, Sun has been informed through a credible source that he is suspected of killing Liton – who was reported missing with him.

Nizam is set to appear before the court for his remand hearing Wednesday.

A court official told Sun the decision to hold a closed hearing was made at the request of the police.

Sources from within the fuel trade told Sun Liton was known to carry a large amount of cash, raising the possibility his killing was motivated by financial greed.