The Criminal Court has given a one year, seven months, and six days prison sentence to former Fenaka Corporation procurement head Mariyam Dheena for approving payments for incomplete tasks under a contract with Blazon Inc.

The case centered on an accusation of misuse of official authority, claiming that Dheena disbursed funds without confirming if Blazon Inc. had finished the designated tasks.

The court had previously established the charge as valid and conducted the sentencing hearing on Tuesday. At the hearing, the prosecution sought the minimum penalty outlined for the crime, pointing out that Dheena had not gained any direct financial advantage and is a single mother of young children. The defense requested a fine or a more lenient sentence like house arrest, pointing to her health problems and family obligations. Doctors had recommended that she steer clear of sealed environments because of breathing issues.

Judge Adam Mohamed, however, chose to impose a custodial sentence, stating that no medical documentation had been provided to justify evading imprisonment. He stated that crimes of this kind erode public trust and promote corruption, justifying imprisonment.

Ex-Fenaka Managing Director Mohamed Saeed was found guilty and received a four-year prison sentence last year. Dheena’s sentencing was postponed because of her declining health and time spent in the hospital. She is additionally on trial in another case related to purported corruption in granting a 2018 project for installing CCTV cameras and conference systems at Fenaka branches to Keiretsu Pvt Ltd.