With no suspects or eyewitnesses, the police were forced to base their investigation almost entirely on physical evidence from the crime scene. The police also took DNA samples and fingerprints from many residents of the island.
Ever since 62-year-old Naeema Moosa from Noonu Manadhoo island, was found murdered on the evening of April 7, the whole island had been in a state of fear and anxiety. For two months, the police were not making progress and there was the possibility that the unknown killer could harm someone else.
Amid the change that Manadhoo had undergone from its age-old tranquility and peacefulness, the killers were found about two days ago. But instead of progress in the investigation leading to the killers, in this case, as well, it was more to do with luck.
Adhadhu has gathered information to clear up how the police found the killers and their motive for murdering Naeema.
titledesc
How the killers were identified:
With police unable to find the killers for more than a month, they were able to find them after Ahuzam Abdul Shukoor was arrested with drugs and based on what he said at the police station. It was because Ahuzam Abdul Shukoor confessed to the crime.
The Manadhoo court issued two orders to hold Ahuzam in custody. While both orders have been made public, it states that he had been arrested on a drug offence. The police said in court that 56.1 grams of drugs were found in his room.
The court first granted a three-day remand period. A 14-day period was granted in the next order. But the detention period was extended based on evidence submitted by the police stating that there was a possibility of influencing witnesses and posing a "further" danger to society.
Most people who spoke from Manadhoo said he was arrested over a drug offence. While he was under arrest, he became enraged with a craving for drugs and confessed to the crime, Manadhoo islanders said.
He called out from the cell with anger out of [withdrawal] sickness, 'It was me who killed Naeema.' After he confessed, [the police] got more information from him and found the others." - a person who spoke from Manadhoo recounted.
There was talk around the island of Ahuzam and others being seen on the top floor of a two-storey building under construction near Naeema's house. Fawaz drove his car together with Ahuzam across the island a lot that night, people said.
Rifas was arrested from the island after Ahuzam. After that, the owner of the car that Fawaz drove and Fawaz's father were summoned to the police and their statements were taken. Fawaz was arrested from Male' on Sunday night.
It is believed that the police reached Rifas and Fawaz based on evidence at hand and information provided by Ahuzam.
Several possibilities despite unclear motive
As Manadhoo islanders said, the three men were often together. Of the three, Ahuzam and Rifas have criminal records for drugs. Fawaz and Rifas are very close friends, islanders said.
After the three were arrested, what many took note of is a Facebook post from Ahuzam. "Sorcery or not, whatever [expletive], I will get what I am due, no matter how much people are envious," he wrote.
However, it is unclear whether he posted in connection with Naeema.
Naeema Moosa.
Naeema did not have much relation with the people of the island because of her alleged history of sorcery. Naeema lived alone, too. Most people on the island and her family members characterize Naeema as an "industrious" person who managed to cook for herself, go to work and live on her own.
Additionally, Fawaz is a neighbour of Naeema. Their homes are nearby. As such, it is very likely that Naeema saw what Fawaz and the others were doing. There is the possibility that they attacked her out of anger.
The other motive would be money. Islanders said Naeema's salary was MVR 5,000. Nonetheless, it is difficult for the people of Manadhoo to believe that she could have been murdered just for money.a.
