Former Male' City Council member Mohamed Aiman Ismail has been arrested over allegations of sexually abusing a minor.
Police confirmed the arrest of the former councillor for the Maafannu South constituency. A spokesperson said a major part of the investigation had already been completed by the time he was taken into custody and that police were consulting the Prosecutor General's Office to finalise the case. The court will decide on any remand period.
The allegations first surfaced publicly in October last year after his former wife shared details on social media. Concerns had been raised about the pace of the investigation and the fact that Aiman remained at large for an extended period. Police have not explained the reason for the delay in making the arrest.
The case follows the recent arrest and remand of former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on similar allegations. Further details remain restricted because the investigation involves a minor.
