Four individuals have been found guilty and received prison sentences for abducting a man in Male' and severing his finger, even though the victim subsequently informed the court that he did not recall the event and was unfamiliar with any of the defendants.

The incident originates from 2024, when an individual was kidnapped and endured extended torture, which involved the amputation of his finger. The five individuals were accused by the prosecution:

Ahmed Zayan / L. Gan Link

Mohamed Naushaan Hussain / Uthurugeaage, Th. Thimarafushi

Ali Sami / Mehura, R. Kandholhudhoo

Mohamed Nafah / K. Maafushi, Full Moon

Ahmed Saif Waheed / Hudhuveli, G.Dh. Gahdhoo

Authorities had previously disclosed that Nafah and Zayan were members of the MNDF during that period.

The defendant asserted that the victim was neither kidnapped nor deliberately tortured, arguing that his finger was hurt while operating a power tool.

In his first account to authorities, the victim reported that on May 24, 2024, Sami brought him to a residence in Male' and attacked him after he misplaced drugs that were given to him. He claimed Sami and Naushaan assaulted him, while Nafah had choked him using a fishing-line loop.

He reported to the police that he was kept captive in the house for a month, and on June 23, Saif severed his left pinky finger with a pipe cutter. Sami, Naushaan, and Nafah were there, he stated, and Zayan hit him in the face later.

Nonetheless, based on Monday’s ruling, the victim subsequently stated in court that the injury was connected to an earlier incident. He stated that he could not recall what took place, was unfamiliar with any of the defendants, and did not remember providing information to the authorities or medical personnel. He informed the court that he was extremely drunk when brought to the police and could not recall if his finger was cut by accident or by another person.

The court observed that the victim provided two inconsistent accounts, one in the investigation and another at trial. The ruling indicates that the inconsistent part of his testimony should be disregarded, and importance should be assigned only to the degree that other evidence corroborates the investigatory statement.

Judgments and penalties

Ahmed Saif Waheed was found guilty of assault with a pointed object resulting in the loss of an organ.

15 years (to fulfill 12 years, 11 months, 24 days).

Ali Sami and Mohamed Naushaan were found guilty of taking part in an attack with a sharp implement leading to the loss of an organ.

Sentence: 10 years each (for serving 7 years, 11 months, and 24 days).

Ahmed Zayan was found guilty of not offering help to someone in need without justifiable reason.

3 months (no time left to serve).

Mohamed Nafah, accused of involvement, was not found guilty.