ACC to High Court seeking injunction to stop police promotions granted during govt. transition

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed an appeal with the High Court over Civil Court’s decision to deny an injunction to stop promotions that were granted to a number of top police officials just days before the new administration took office.

At least six officials were promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, and eight officials were promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police in mid-November.

The promotions had been handed out despite an appeal by the ACC in October to freeze all promotions during the transitional period. Moreover, current President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, in his capacity as the president-elect, had also requested then-president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih against granting any promotions during the transitional phase.

Subsequently, ACC filed a case with the Civil Court seeking to stop the enforcement of the promotions.

Civil Court denied the injunction sought by ACC, citing their failure to submit the document stating how they wished the court order to be issued.

The court also decided that the suit filed by the ACC fails to meet the criteria, citing that the refusal of the police to follow ACC’s instructions does not pose an obstruction to the commission’s legal authority to conduct investigations.

After the promotions came to light, the police said the promotions were decided back in April, but were postponed until after the election, in order to avoid a possible negative image.

The police insisted the promotions were granted in accordance with rules and regulations.