12 remanded in Hiyaa hostage case; identities disclosed

Maldives Police Service has disclosed the identities of 12 suspects arrested in connection to holding a person hostage inside a flat in Hiyaa Tower 9 at Hulhumale’ Phase II.

A person held hostage inside a flat in Hiyaa Tower 9 at Hulhumale’ Phase II was rescued by the Police on Thursday night based on a tip received to intelligence and the suspects were apprehended.

In a message to the media on Saturday, Police revealed that 12 suspects arrested in the case were remanded in custody by the Criminal Court; nine suspects for seven days and three suspects for five days.

They also revealed the identities of the suspects alongside their photos.

They are:

• Alman Khalid, 22, Vehi, GDh. Vaadhoo
• Mohamed Izkan, 18, M. Hathikandu
• Izan Ahmed, 18, M. Hathikandu

All three suspects were remanded in custody for three days. The remaining suspects were remanded in custody for seven days. They are:

• Ahmed Zahidh, 36, Dhanmaru, Sh. Foakaidhoo
• Adam Hussain, 48, Jameela Manzil, L. Maavah
• Ibrahim Nasheed, 34, Hiyaa Gulhshan, L. Isdhoo
• Ahmed Sameeh, 22, Night Star, B. Goidhoo
• Visham Mohamed, 29, V. Gaama
• Visan Mohamed, 30, Hulhumale’ Hiyaa 14-17-3
• Musthag Shakir, 37, Janavareege, GDh. Vaadhoo
• Hassan Galib, 38, Aares, M. Kolhufushi

A video of the incident is viral on social media which shows that the victim's head had been shaved while the kidnappers were preparing to inflict serious bodily harm on the individual at the time authorities barged into the apartment.

Commenting on the case, Home Minister Ali Ihusan said authorities have observed certain flats and other places as repeated places of crimes.

He warned places utilized as dens for gang and drug-related crimes will be seized to the state even if it requires amending the law.