Former Fenaka procurement head Dheena jailed for one year, seven months

The Criminal Court has sentenced former Fenaka Corporation procurement head Mariyam Dheena to one year, seven months and six days in jail for authorizing payments for unfinished works under an agreement with Blazon Inc. 

The case involved a charge of abuse of official capacity, alleging that Dheena released funds without verifying whether Blazon Inc. had completed the assigned work.

The court had earlier found the charge proven and held the sentencing hearing on Tuesday. During the hearing, the prosecution requested the basic punishment prescribed for the offence, noting that Dheena had not received any direct financial benefit and that she is a single mother of infants. The defence asked for a fine or a lenient sentence such as house arrest, citing her health issues and family responsibilities. Doctors had advised her to avoid airtight environments due to respiratory problems.

However, Judge Adam Mohamed decided to impose a custodial sentence, stating that no medical document had been submitted to justify avoiding incarceration. He added that offences of this nature undermine public interest and contribute to corruption, warranting imprisonment.

Former Fenaka Managing Director Mohamed Saeed was convicted and sentenced to four years in jail last year. Dheena’s sentencing had been delayed due to her deteriorating health and hospitalization. She is also facing trial in a separate case involving alleged corruption in awarding a 2018 project to install CCTV cameras and conference systems at Fenaka branches to Keiretsu Pvt Ltd.