Police arrested on drug charges claims he never took oath of office

A police officer, arrested on drug charges, stated in court that he had not taken the oath of office.

Mohamed Sajid was apprehended following the discovery of illicit drugs during a raid in G.Dh. Thinadhoo, initially prompted by suspicions of e-cigarette possession.

Sajid has been serving as a special police constable since May 7th of this year.

The prosecution lodged an appeal with the High Court after the Thinadhoo Magistrate's Court granted him bail. During the appeal hearing on Thursday, Sajid's legal counsel asserted that his client was not a sworn police officer at the time of his arrest.

When Sajid's lawyer claimed that he was not a sworn police officer, the presiding judicial panel inquired if he was a uniformed officer. In response, Sajid admitted that he did not take the oath, despite attending the swearing-in ceremony.

Pressed by the bench on his actions during the oath-taking ceremony, Sajid stated he merely stood there.

"I attended the ceremony that day and was somewhat apprehensive as it involved swearing an oath before God," Sajid informed the court.

Following this statement, the bench questioned Sajid regarding his receipt of salary without having taken the oath of office. Sajid conceded to this during the trial. The prosecution also highlighted that Sajid had signed an affidavit, despite his claim of not taking the oath.

The bench concluded that Sajid's declaration of not having taken the oath could not be interpreted as such, characterizing it as a significant falsehood presented before the court.

The police officer has been indefinitely suspended from the police force subsequent to an operation in Huvadhoo Atoll. During the hearing, it was established that drugs were discovered during a search of his residence, which was initially conducted under suspicion of possession of e-cigarettes and tobacco products.

He was arrested after the discovery of the drugs but was subsequently cleared by the G.Dh. Thinadhoo Magistrate's court.