Maavah murder linked to dispute over MVR 500 owed from drug sale

The altercation that led to Moosa Ibrahim’s death in L. Maavah yesterday reportedly stemmed from a dispute over MVR 500 owed from drug sales.

Residents of Maavah shared with Mihaaru News some of the details surrounding the incident. According to them, Moosa Ibrahim had been in a foul mood when he had gone to the area near the island's volley court on a motorcycle. They said that a heated altercation had occurred between Moosa Ibrahim and Mohamed Ibrahim of Asaree Manzil, HDh. Nolhivaramfaru, with Mohamed attempting to leave the area.

Mohamed had then attacked Moosa with a knife, stabbing him in the neck.

Police have said that Moosa had been pronounced dead on arrival when taken to the island's health centre.

Just a short while later, Mohamed had discarded the knife used in the attack and, on his own volition, gone to the Police Station and confessed.

Residents of Maavah believe that the death had been caused due to disputes over drugs.

People on the island say Moosa was heavily engaged in peddling drugs on the island. Mohamed, who confessed to killing Moosa, is also known to have a prior record of drug related offences.

One resident who spoke to Mihaaru News claims that there had been anger and altercations during the past couple of days over Mohamed failing to pay Moosa for drugs he supplied. They say that Mohamed had been facing harassment for non-payment, with it escalating to the point where a case had been lodged at the Police.

"There was about MVR 500 still due," the resident said, on condition of anonymity.

Moosa had reportedly been trying to make Mohamed pay the amount even yesterday. Some residents claim Mohamed stabbed Moosa in the neck while attempting to defend himself from Moosa’s assault.

"[Moosa] located where Mohamed was, and went there on a motorcycle with another person. Moosa was the passenger. They spotted Mohamed and the altercation took place. People on the island say Mohamed was carrying the knife because of continued harassment from Moosa. So he took the knife out to defend himself from Moosa who was assaulting him," the resident said.

Mohamed has been living in Maavah for about two months now. He had lived on the island previously as well, at which time he was married to a resident. He had returned to the island after being freed from jail intending to marry the woman again. However, the wedding had not taken place, and Mohamed was working with a construction group.

"Mohamed never hurt anyone even when he lived on the island previously. But whatever money he earns, he spends on drugs," the resident said.

A Maavah resident claimed that despite not holding a job, Moosa lived a lavish lifestyle. They said that at present, a speedboat is also being built in which Moosa held a share.

Mohamed has been arrested by Police, and the knife, believed to be the murder weapon, has also been recovered from the island's lagoon.