Malé – June 20, 2025:

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has dismissed Daud Ahmed, former Under Secretary at the President’s Office, following revelations in a Presidential Commission report that he lied during the investigation into the fall of 21-year-old Yumnu Rasheed.

Daud, who is the brother of the main suspect Ahmed Raud Zilaal, had been under suspension since April 24 — initially due to the circulation of indecent images of him on social media. However, his dismissal on Thursday comes after the Commission’s final report found that he misled investigators.

In his testimony, Daud claimed he had not contacted any senior government official in relation to his brother’s case. But Home Minister Ali Ihusan contradicted this, telling the Commission that Daud had called and texted him several times. The Minister further admitted that he had assured Daud he would “look into the matter” and had even shared information about the police operation with him.

The report also noted that Minister Ihusan personally visited the crime scene — raising concerns about undue influence. Ihusan confirmed to the Commission that he and Daud have been friends since the 2023 presidential campaign. Despite these disclosures, no action has been taken against the Home Minister.

Daud’s brother Raud is currently under house arrest and facing trial for failing to assist a person in danger, following Yumnu’s fall from H. Fentony House. The Commission concluded that the fall was accidental and not the result of foul play or suicide, but it criticised both the police and certain political figures for lapses and interference in the case.