Wife saw AbduRahman in critical distress, signs of assailant fleeing

Nazima Ibrahim went in to her husband's room at 1:30 am last night to use the attached bathroom. However, she walked in to find her husband AbduRahman, 65, in critical distress, struggling for a breath.

"AbduRahman was struggling for life. When I looked at him, his whole face was covered in blood. He was bleeding profusely. There was a lot of blood sprayed on the walls as well," Nazima told Mihaaru News while waiting at the AA. Maalhos Health Centre, where her husband's body is currently being kept.

AbduRahman, Orchidmaage, Maalhos, was found with severe injuries at around 2am last night. He was immediately rushed to the Health Centre, where he died early this morning while receiving treatment for his injuries.

Nazima, who works at the Maalhos Council, first called one of their children living in Male' when she saw AbduRahman struggling for life. Then, she called various people on the island. With help from some other residents, AbduRahman was taken to the Health Centre for treatment. However, he could not be saved due to the serious head wounds that had been inflicted on him.

AbduRahman and his wife lived in the wife's house, Maahiya. Their two children live in capital Male'.

"As there is white sand spread in the house, heavy footprints could clearly be seen. I could clearly see the footprints of a person who had come in and left," Nazima said.

Describing the severity of the assault, a resident of Maalhos said that from one half "even the brain was exposed". One eye was heavily bruised due to being hit with force.

"There were wounds lower on the head as well. I will say that he was attacked with the intent to kill. It was a very severe attack," a witness who had seen AbduRahman's body said.

Everyone you meet in Maalhos tells you that this is a very peaceful island. Never before has an incident like this occurred in the island with a population of just four hundred.

"On this island, most people don't sleep with their doors locked. It was the same AbduRahman and them. Front doors of homes are not locked. That is because nothing like this has ever happened here. There is no issue of drugs, or murder, or anything like that here," a senior official on the island said.

Police have now closed off AbduRahman's residence. The entire area is closed off, barring entry to all. Police are yet to reveal any details regarding the investigation.

There are cameras installed at two locations on this island. However, neither are close to AbduRahman's residence.

Everyone who spoke from Maalhos were in a state of shock. They are unable to fathom why AbduRahman was murdered in such a vicious manner.

Although there are rumours of black magic being involved, residents dismiss these claims, stating there has never been any indication that AbduRahman was involved in such matters.

Everyone describes AbduRahman as having been an amiable person who led a simple life. His livelihood was as a yellowfin tuna fisherman. He was also known to frequently visit Ukulhas.

"He was in Ukulhas a lot on matters relating to fisheries. He just came back from Ukulhas two or three days ago," a person close to AbduRahman said.

"He was a good man. I have never seen any wrongful actions on his part."