Man Remanded in Custody Over Galolhu Arson Case

The Criminal Court has ordered a 29-year-old man to remain in custody pending trial in connection with an arson attack that took place on 18 March at the Hiyaroadhige in Male’ City’s Galolhu mortuary.

The suspect, Hussain Shahubaan of Sabnamhouse, Lh. Maabaidhoo, was arrested on suspicion of arson and causing damage to property. Police confirmed that the investigation into the incident has been completed and the case has been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office for prosecution. The court subsequently ordered that he remain in custody until the conclusion of the trial.

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According to police, Shahubaan has prior convictions related to property offences. Criminal Court records indicate that he was sentenced in multiple cases in 2022 and 2023. These include nine months and 18 days in prison for illegal possession of another person’s property, 11 days for damage to property, three months for knowingly entering an unauthorised place, and one year, five months and 14 days for theft.

The fire broke out at a warehouse near the Galolhu Mortuary on the day of the incident. CCTV footage circulating on social media showed a man arriving at the location on a bicycle, parking it, and entering the premises while wearing dark sunglasses and a white-and-black shirt. The footage then showed the building catching fire shortly after the individual left the area.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.