Five charged regarding award of Night Market project to Go Media

Five people involved in the process of awarding the Night Market project to Go Media Private Limited have been charged, following accusations that the company won the bid with influence of position.

The accused are Ahmed Hameed, Ahmed Mizuhath Naeem, Aishath Jumaanaa and two former deputy mayors of Male’ city Ibrahim Sujaau and Ahmed Shamaahu.

All five are charged with abuse of power during their tenure in the Bid Committee of Male’ City Council. Allegedly, as members, they accepted the proposal from Go Media, and awarded the Night Market project outside the procedure.

On the first hearing of the case at the criminal court, only Ibrahim Sujaau appeared in court today. He pleaded the court to let his lawyer defend the accusation.

Public prosecutor Abdulla Raabiu spoke in court saying that the bid for the Night Market project was opened on 19th February 2012 by Male’ City Council, and the information session was on 26th of the month.

Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed ended the day’s hearing after giving the defendant three days to appoint a lawyer.

Under the Prevention and Prohibition of Corruption Act, if found guilty on the crime of abuse of power, the defendant can be sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison, house arrest or banishment.