Yameen says he has no further info on ministry fire, refuses summons

Former President Abdulla Yameen has refused to accept a police summons seeking his attendance for questioning over statements he made alleging that the December 2024 fire at a building housing three government ministries was deliberately set.

Police said in a statement on Tuesday that they sought to summon Yameen after he made claims about the fire during a People’s National Front (PNF) gathering on Saturday.

Speaking at the gathering, Yameen alleged that the fire, which broke out on 12 December 2024, was deliberately started and said police would know who was responsible. He also claimed that police would have evidence related to the incident.

The building housed the Housing Ministry, Environment Ministry and the then-separate Construction Ministry, as well as some offices operated by Malé City Council.

Following Yameen’s remarks, Home Minister Ali Ihusaan on Sunday instructed police to investigate his claims.

Police said Yameen’s statements contained information considered relevant to the investigation and that officers therefore sought to have him attend the police headquarters to clarify what information he had.

According to police, officers went to Yameen’s residence, H. Dhoovehi, at about 6:40pm on Monday and met the former president in an attempt to serve the summons. However, Yameen declined to accept it.

Police said Yameen subsequently sent them a letter stating that he had no additional information about the incident beyond what he had already said and that there was therefore no reason for him to attend the police headquarters.

The latest development comes after Ihusaan told Parliament in August that the investigation into the fire had been completed with assistance from foreign experts.

At the time, the minister said the investigation had determined that the fire was not caused by deliberate arson.