Ihsan denies personal motive behind ex-immigration chief’s arrest

Home Minister Ali Ihsan has denied claims that the dismissal and subsequent arrest of former Controller of Immigration Mohamed Shamman Waheed were due to a personal dispute, stating that the matter is solely related to alleged criminal offences.

Mohamed Shamman was dismissed from his position and arrested on 22 March on suspicion of bribery. He was initially remanded for 15 days, and earlier this month, the Criminal Court ordered that he remain in custody pending trial.

Minister Ihsan appeared before the Parliament Wednesday, where South Henveiru MP Ahmed Shamheed questioned him about allegations circulating on social media suggesting that Shamman’s arrest was linked to a personal conflict between the two.

Responding to the query, Ihsan stated that government policies had been implemented in cooperation with Shamman and that their professional relationship had functioned effectively.

“There was no conflict between us in the work environment,” Ihsan said. “Policies were implemented in collaboration, and the working relationship was good.”

He added that the arrest stemmed from alleged illegal activities and not from any personal disagreement.

“No individual will be allowed to break the law in the current administration. Institutions have the authority to take necessary action in response to such behaviour,” Ihsan told the Parliament. “President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s government will not provide any special treatment to those who violate the law.”

According to police, four other immigration officials have also been arrested in connection with the case. Police allege that:

Meanwhile, two remand orders issued by the Criminal Court against Shamman have been appealed at the High Court. The court has accepted the appeal, and hearings have commenced.