Court orders 60-day remand for murder suspect Nizam

The boat captain who was initially reported missing along with his alleged victim before he was arrested for murder has been remanded in custody of the police for 60 days.

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 appeared before the court for his remand hearing Wednesday.

The hearing was held behind closed doors at the request of the police.

The court ordered for Nizam to be remanded in custody of the police for 60 days.

Liton worked for Fuel Power; a private business involved in delivering fuel. Liton headed the company’s operations, and was known to carry a large amount of cash.

Those who know them report Nizam has a history of drug abuse and theft. They believe Nizam killed Liton to steal his money. However, this has not been confirmed through official channels.

Police are working on identifying  a dead body found in the waters to the north west of the Vemparu lagoon in V. Atoll on Monday, which they believe could be Liton's body.