Bar Council Calls for Police Probe into Forged Lawyer’s Licence
Maldivians taking the bar exam in 2022 | Photo: Maldives Bar Council
The Bar Council of the Maldives has requested the Maldives Police Service to investigate a case involving a woman alleged to have used a forged lawyer’s licence.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the council said it received a request from Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) to verify whether one of its employees, Fathimath Thooba Abdulla, from Haveyli, Laamu Atoll, Fonadhoo, held a valid licence to practise law. Following a review, the council determined that the documentation she presented had never been issued by the Bar Council.
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According to the council, the document appeared to have been produced under the name of the Department of Judicial Administration, carrying the logo of the Supreme Court of the Maldives. However, the signature included did not match that of any Supreme Court justice in office at the time of its purported issue.
Press Statement on the use of unauthorized practicing license. pic.twitter.com/vk6z7vTd3B— Bar Council of the Maldives (@MvBarCouncil) August 21, 2025
The council further stated that the licence in question, dated 20 September 2020, had been authenticated using the signature of a retired Supreme Court judge. It emphasised that, under the Judicature Act, the Bar Council has held exclusive authority to issue lawyers’ licences since its establishment in 2019.
In its statement, the council noted that Fathimath Thooba Abdulla is not listed among the lawyers accredited to practise in the Maldives. It also reminded the public that, under the Judicature Act, presenting oneself as a lawyer without proper authorisation is a criminal offence.
The council urged individuals to verify the credentials of those offering legal services by consulting the official list of registered lawyers available on its website.
