President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has created a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the unexplained ninth-floor fall of a young woman on April 18.
Police believe Hawwa Yumnu, 21, fell from a window in the stairwell of Henveiru Fentenoy house. Raudh Ahmed, 21, who was with her at the time of the incident, left the scene and did not report to authorities. He was arrested six days later.
According to the President's Office, the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry has been tasked with conducting an independent, autonomous, and credible investigation into the incident.
"The Commission is mandated to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident, review the actions taken by relevant institutions, identify necessary measures, and ensure a fair and impartial inquiry," the office stated.
The members of the commission are:
- Dr. Mohamed Munavvar (President of the Commission)
- Brigadier General (Retired) Ahmed Mohamed
- Dr. Mohamed Habeeb
This comes amid nightly protests by young people demanding accountability and a transparent investigation.
The police have faced immense criticism over their response following Yumnu's fall. There have been accusations of a cover-up because the case involves relatives of wealthy and politically influential figures.
Senior government officials contacted protest organizers and invited them to discuss their demands. But the youth leaders said they would consider the invitation only after Muizzu publicly apologizes for his remarks and fulfills further demands.
The demands:
- Conduct a transparent investigation
- Arrest and prosecute everyone involved in the case
- Police must explain why video footage of the incident does not match
- Disclosure of evidence obtained for the investigation
- Police must apologize for giving false information about the investigation
- Conduct an inquiry into the police investigation
- Resignation of Police Commissioner Ali Shujau
- Resignation of Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen
- Resignation of Home Minister Ali Ihusaan
Ihusaan and Ameen have rejected calls for resignation, but Shujau resigned as Police Commissioner on Saturday night.
This is the first presidential commission created since Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.
Powers and Privileges of the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry:
- To seek cooperation and assistance from all state institutions, agencies, and individuals as necessary
- To engage specialised foreign expertise to support the inquiry
- To exercise the investigative powers accorded to law enforcement agencies under the Criminal Procedure Act
- To request arrest warrants and other judicial orders necessary for the inquiry
- To summon individuals for questioning and demand the production of documents, evidence, or any material relevant to the inquiry
- To subpoena documents, evidence, and information obtained by any institution or body that has previously conducted an investigation into the incident
The Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry will be operational until the President declares its mandate completed.
