Maldives Police Service revealed that the suspect they were searching for in connection to the murder of Ibrahim Ageel, had turned himself in on Monday night.
The 18-year-old Ageel, who hailed from Faresmaathodaa, Gaafu Dhaal Atoll, was brutally stabbed to death last Friday night near Maldives Monetary Authority, a location inside the ‘Green Zone’ or security zone of capital Male.
The police had launched a manhunt for Hamdhoon Hamzath of Fonadhoo, Laamu Atoll, in connection to the killing.
Police revealed Tuesday that Hamzath had turned himself in soon after the search was announced, and that he is now in custody.
No other arrests have been made yet.
According to local reports, Ageel had returned to Male on Friday at around sundown from another island in the capital atoll, when he was attacked. Local media outlet Mihaaru cited a credible source that a group of people had been reportedly waiting for Ageel.
The source claimed that Ageel had just disembarked from the speedboat at Jetty No.1 when he was ambushed by the group and stabbed in the chest.
Ageel's murder came amidst a series of violent crimes recently committed in the capital city. Police had previously warned that harsh actions will be taken against the perpetrators.