Mother Condemns Police Inaction as Father Accused of Child Sexual Abuse Remains Free Five Months On

A Maldivian mother has publicly condemned the Maldives Police Service over its failure to arrest a man accused of sexually abusing his own daughter, contrasting the five-month delay in detention with the swift arrest of high-profile political figures on similar allegations.

In a statement shared on Facebook, the mother, identified as Nuzuha, expressed outrage that the accused continues to walk free five months after a formal criminal complaint was lodged.

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“Today, we hear that Abdulla Shahid has been arrested in connection with allegations of sexual abuse involving a child. Yet this man, five months after a case was filed against him for the sexual abuse of his own daughter, is still walking freely among us,” she wrote.

Nuzuha stated that her daughter’s statement was recorded months ago and that a comprehensive psychological evaluation completed four months ago diagnosed the child with moderate-to-severe depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stemming directly from the abuse.

She detailed the severe emotional and psychological toll on the family, noting that her child is currently on psychiatric medication and has required repeated visits to hospital emergency rooms due to acute mental health crises.

“I have watched my child struggle with her mental health, experience emotional breakdowns, and fight battles that no child should ever have to face,” Nuzuha said. “Her childhood has been stolen, and she is the one paying the price every single day. And what about him? He is still free.”

In response to inquiries, the Maldives Police Service confirmed that the investigative phase is nearing completion and that authorities are in final consultations with the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) to formally file charges.

Police explained that delays occurred because multiple family members were involved and required time to provide witness testimony. Law enforcement officials added that following guidance from the PG Office, investigators are currently finalizing the necessary statutory requirements before submitting the case for prosecution.

Speaking to MV+, the mother questioned why the suspect has not been remanded in custody while the investigation proceeds, especially given the child’s detailed testimony and corroborating psychological reports. Police said that the investigative phase is nearing completion and that authorities are in final consultations with the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) to formally file charges.

“They said they are collecting more evidence that supports my daughter’s statement so that he has no chance to escape this, and that they have sped up the investigation now,” she told MV+. “Still, my question is: even if the investigation is going on, why is he not arrested? Why can’t they keep him detained and then carry on with the investigation? They don’t have a valid answer for that.”

According to inquiries made regarding the matter, authorities stated that the current nature of the case does not warrant an immediate arrest, explaining that detention at this stage would only apply if the suspect is deemed likely to tamper with evidence or commit a similar obstruction. However, officials indicated that an arrest will be executed once a formal court warrant is issued.

The public outcry highlights persistent scrutiny over procedural inconsistencies in how child sexual abuse investigations are prioritized, coming directly on the heels of the immediate arrest of former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid at his residence under a judicial warrant.