NIC recommends charges against Police officers regarding Zakiyya case

In connection with the murder of Zakiyya Moosa, who was found dead in N. Holhudhoo, Mihaaru News has learned that the National Integrity Commission (NIC) has recommended criminal charges against several senior police officers, including current Police Commissioner Ismail Naveen.

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) previously confirmed that discussions had commenced with the Prosecutor General regarding the potential prosecution of the officers involved. According to a PGO spokesperson, the NIC has submitted chargesheets against seven police officers.

Among those the NIC is seeking to prosecute are Commissioner Naveen—who was serving as Deputy Commissioner at the time of the incident—Assistant Commissioner Mohamed Riyaz, and Chief Superintendent Hassan Shifaau, Head of the Major Crime Department.

The case involves serious allegations, including abuse of official authority, obstruction of justice, interference with state institutions, and mishandling of the deceased.

Zakiyya, 50, was found dead near a warehouse located close to the kitchen of her home in N. Holhudhoo.

While she was known to suffer from mental health issues, many residents of Holhudhoo—including some of her own family members—believe her death was not self-inflicted, but was in fact murder. Witnesses reported that her body was found with her neck almost severed, raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.

A key concern raised by the public is that Zakiyya’s body was buried without undergoing a traditional autopsy. Instead, a virtual autopsy was conducted. This method, which involves CT scans, MRIs, and photographic documentation of the body and crime scene, concluded that her death resulted from self-inflicted injuries.

However, doubts remain widespread, with critics questioning the reliability of the virtual autopsy in a case involving such severe physical trauma.

Formal complaints and concerns regarding Zakiyya’s death and the handling of the investigation have been submitted to Home Minister Ali Ihusan and President Mohamed Muizzu.