The Maldivian government has strongly refuted allegations that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu secured an acquittal in a high-profile court case by bribing a judge, firmly asserting that the President is a leader of integrity who “would never engage in theft.”
The allegations were originally made by former Police Commissioner Hussain Waheed during a political rally hosted by the People’s National Front (PNF). Waheed claimed that President Muizzu—while serving as Housing Minister—escaped conviction in the controversial Noomadi legal dispute by paying an MVR 800,000 bribe to a presiding judge. Waheed went as far as stating he was prepared to swear an oath on the Holy Quran to prove the validity of his claims.
Responding decisively during a “Press with the Spokesperson” media briefing, the Chief Government Spokesperson, Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), dismissed the claims as entirely baseless fabrication.
“President Muizzu is not someone who steals, nor will he ever do so.”
Shareef stated to reporters, directly challenging the integrity of the accusation.
The Context of the Dispute:
The roots of the controversy trace back to a state project involving Noomadi Resorts and Residences, which was contracted to build housing units and water infrastructure. Following the termination of those contracts, Noomadi filed a $155 million damages claim against the Maldivian state at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
The previous administration later prosecuted Muizzu, accusing him of providing a false statement that favored the private company over the state’s legal defense. However, the Criminal Court acquitted him in 2023, ruling that the state had failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Government Warns of Legal Consequences:
Spokesperson Shareef highlighted his own insider perspective, noting that he was serving as a Minister at the President’s Office during the period of the legal scrutiny and witnessed no wrongdoing. He emphasized that the court had already legally cleared the President through proper judicial findings.
Furthermore, the government issued a stern warning regarding the former Police Commissioner’s public statements. Shareef cautioned that if individuals attempt to validate malicious, politically motivated falsehoods under sacred oaths, relevant state institutions and law enforcement agencies will step in to investigate and take strict legal action.
