State raises murder charges against Thulusdhoo suspect

The Prosecutor General’s Office has filed murder charges against Mohamed Niyaz, the 34-year-old man arrested for the murder of Ali Shiham in Thulusdhoo on 31 July.

An official from the Prosecutor General’s Office said Mohamed Niyaz of Red Rose, Kaafu Thulusdhoo was officially indicted for murder today. Police forwarded the case to the Prosecutor General’s Office on Thursday.

Ali Shiham was stabbed near the beach in front of his house around 7:00 p.m. on 31 July, and soon died from injuries at Thulusdhoo health centre. Mohamed Niyaz was taken into custody on the night of the murder after he voluntarily approached the police and confessed to the stabbing.

Chief Inspector of Police Abdulla Shatheeh said on Sunday that the investigation has revealed the victim had earlier accused Mohamed Niyaz of stealing from a construction site under the victim's supervision in Thulusdhoo.

The Chief Inspector also said that Mohamed Niyaz had confessed to the investigation that the killing of Ali Shiham was an act of retribution, as a result of the accusation.