Gang-violence suspect Faih jailed pending trial’s end

Gang violence suspect Ibrahim Faih Nizam, who surrendered to police amid a two-month manhunt for him, has been jailed pending the outcome of his trial by the Criminal Court on Tuesday.

The trial of Faih, who is charged with three crimes, began on Tuesday. He is accused of violence using a sharp-edged weapon, deliberately obstructing a law enforcement officer from carrying out their duties and making physical contact with one.

The prosecution and the defense were scheduled to deliver opening statements during Tuesday’s hearing, which, however, was postponed at the request of the defense attorney. Police, reiterated their request to detain Faih pending the outcome of trial with respect to his remand during the hearing, citing Faih to be a danger to society.

Judge Ismail Shafeeu, who presided over the case, ordered to jail Faih pending the outcome of his trial as per the police’s request.

Police had made an announcement seeking the public’s help in finding Faih on February 15, following his suspected involvement in a fight between two rival gangs.

He was on the run when he became one of the suspects in the murder of a young man in shop in Maafannu district.

Mohamed Ahmed Didi (Naushad), 30, Izmeer, S. Hithadhoo, was stabbed inside a shop located near the BG Garage in Maafannu district of Male’ at around 09:30 pm on February 24. He succumbed to his injuries on February 27.

Eye witnesses report two people had been actively involved in the stabbing.

The second suspect, a 20-year-old male, was arrested on February 26. He had been remanded in jail pending the outcome of his trial.

Faih surrendered to the police on March 21.