The High Court today upheld the Criminal Court's order to remand former Immigration Controller Shamaan Waheed in custody pending trial.
The High Court ruled that the lower court's order to remand Shamaan pending trial could not be quashed.
The High Court also concluded that the police alone can investigate corruption cases without the involvement of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Justice Mohamed Niyaz stated that the police can investigate corruption offences without the involvement of the ACC if there is a money laundering allegation.
The other two justices on the bench supported his view.
However, the High Court and the Supreme Court have previously ruled that the police cannot investigate a case without the participation of other agencies if it falls under their jurisdiction.
Shamaan's lawyer Noorussalam had earlier questioned why the police were investigating the corruption allegation against Shamaan without the ACC's involvement when the law stipulates that the ACC must be involved in corruption probes.
He further noted that the state had previously not believed that corruption and money laundering cases posed a threat to the security of society.
Shamaan was remanded in custody after being accused of influencing witnesses. However, at the appeal hearing, the lawyer said Shamaan has no reason to influence anyone and he does not know who testified against him.
In a post on social media, Shamaan's wife Hidhfa Faiz said her husband had been arrested "unjustly and framed."
Shamaan was detained on March 22 for allegedly releasing a detained foreigner and extorting MVR 530,000 from him.
