Yameen Accuses Half-Brother and Nephew of Bribing Judges Over 2018 Supreme Court Ruling

Former President Abdulla Yameen has accused his half-brother, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, and his nephew, Ahmed Faris Maumoon, of bribing Supreme Court judges to undermine his administration.

In an interview with local news outlet Adhadhu, Yameen alleged that businessman and politician Abdulla Jabir had provided funds which were used to influence the Supreme Court’s decision of 1 February 2018. The ruling ordered the release of 12 opposition MPs and several political prisoners, a move that significantly weakened Yameen’s parliamentary majority at the time.

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“I requested the police, if they are investigating the case, don’t arrest Maumoon. I request the police to go to him,” Yameen said, claiming that Maumoon refused to hand over his phone when questioned, stating he did not own one. Yameen added that police later arrested Maumoon under a court warrant, which he described as lawful and in line with procedure.

He further alleged that Maumoon and Faris had plotted against him and had “bought” 12 MPs in an effort to destabilise his government.

1 February 2018 verdict

The Supreme Court’s ruling in February 2018, which ordered the reinstatement of 12 MPs and the release of high-profile political detainees, triggered a political crisis. Days later, Yameen declared a 15-day state of emergency, during which police arrested two Supreme Court judges, Maumoon, and other political figures.

Authorities accused Maumoon of bribery and plotting to overthrow the government. He was later convicted of obstruction of justice for refusing to surrender his mobile phone to investigators and sentenced to 19 months in prison in June 2018. Faris Maumoon also faced trial and served time in custody before being released on bail.

Both Maumoon and Faris have repeatedly denied the accusations.