Closing statements in Shiaau murder case cancelled after accused fails to appear

The closing statements of the charges filed against Ali Shaahil of Finifenmaage, F. Nilandhoo, accused in the brutal 2022 murder of 22‑year‑old musician Shiaau Mohamed Saeed, was cancelled on Sunday after he was not produced in court.

Shaahil, who has been in custody since August 2022, is already serving a three‑year prison sentence after being convicted on some of the charges related to the case. The Criminal Court had scheduled Sunday’s hearing to deliver the closing statement on the remaining charges.

However, the court said Shaahil was not brought for the hearing, and the reason for his absence remains unclear.

Shaahil’s remand was first ordered on August 7, 2022, shortly after the murder. Police previously stated that the post‑mortem report showed Shiaau had suffered severe injuries and died due to wounds inflicted by Shaahil.

The Criminal Court has earlier indicated that a verdict on the remaining charges is expected later this month.