ACC: This is an independent institution, cannot influence in Nahula’s case at all

Underscoring that they are an independent institution – Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), on Monday, has emphasized that there will be no undue influence with respect to the case lodged with the Commission against Transport Minister Aishath Nahula.

The case was lodged by a former political appointee to the Transport Ministry, accusing Nahula and the Ministry’s Assistant Director Rushuna Rashad of financially benefiting from the registration of vehicles.

Both of them have been accused of misusing an amendment to vehicle registration regulations to illegally register 57 vehicles.

Speaking regarding the matter to Sun, the leader of opposition People’s National Congress (PNC) Abdul Raheem Abdulla (Adhurey) said that the government will not allow the investigation of the case even if ACC wanted to conduct the investigation.

He stressed that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih would not dare to take action against Nahula, and accused his administration of facilitating corruption.

Refuting Adhurey’s allegations – ACC’s Senior Communication Officer Nishan Mohamed Didi told Sun on Monday that the Commission was an independent institution, therewith, no undue influence can be imposed on any of their cases.

“There will be no undue influence in any of the commission’s cases. That applies to Nahula’s case as well,” he had said.

Nishan said that each case lodged at ACC is handled through a process – thus, similarly, would Nahula’s. He noted that the case has been registered with the Commission.

Raushana was suspended for possible involvement in illegal registration of vehicles earlier this month. Minister Nahula has also sent a letter to the President’s Office requesting the dismissal of Deputy Minister Shimaz Ali.