Police Commissioner Ali Shujau has resigned, stepping down amid intense public pressure over the handling of the investigation into the fall of 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed from a nine-storey building in Maalay City.

The resignation comes after days of youth-led protests, fueled by suspicions that the police were attempting to shield Raud Mohamed Zilaal—the main suspect—and others with political connections. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has accepted Shujau’s resignation and appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police Farhad Fikuree as Acting Commissioner.

Raud, who was seen on CCTV footage with Yumnu shortly before the incident, was arrested on Thursday evening, five days after the fall, only after public outrage intensified.

Despite Police Commissioner Shujau holding a press conference on Thursday assuring that the investigation would be fair and free from political influence, public anger continued to mount, with protesters calling for his resignation and broader accountability.

Shujau, who previously served as Assistant Commissioner of Police, was appointed Commissioner by President Muizzu on December 25, 2023. His resignation on Saturday evening marks the first major leadership fallout following the incident, as calls for justice and transparency continue.