Azima: Cop arrested in drug bust contesting oath should be charged with fraud and deceit

Former attorney general and prominent lawyer Aishath Azima Shakoor states that the police officer arrested in a drug bust, who claimed he had not taken oath of office, should be charged with fraud and deceit.

Mohamed Sajidh was apprehended following the discovery of illicit drugs during a raid in G.Dh. Thinadhoo, initially prompted by suspicions of e-cigarette possession.

Sajidh, who had been serving as a special police constable at Thinadhoo Police Station since May 7th of this year, was suspended following his arrest.

As part of the investigation, Police searched Sajidh’s residence and motorbike, during which they discovered a large quantity of tobacco, nanosticks, vapes, vape cartridges, and 191.92 grams of substances suspected to be drugs.

Although Sajidh was arrested in connection with the discovery, the Thinadhoo Magistrate Court ordered his release during the remand hearing, citing that the arrest had been made under an incorrect court order.

The prosecution appealed Thinadhoo Magistrate Court’s decision with the High Court.

During a hearing in the appeal held last Thursday, Sajid's lawyer argued that he had not taken oath as a police officer.

Azima, via a post on Facebook, said Sajidh should be pressed with an additional charge of fraud and deceit in connection with the case.

Speaking with Sun regarding Sajidh’s argument at High Court, Azima emphasized that no individual can assume the responsibilities of a police officer without first taking the official oath. She therefore questioned whether appearing in public wearing a police uniform without having done so does not constitute fraud and deception.

According to Azima, even though the oath is not taken verbally, signing the oath would still constitute being officially sworn in. As such, she stressed that Sajidh should be pressed with an additional charge of fraud and deceit.

“He had appeared before the public in uniform, signed and taken salary and fulfilled numerous legal responsibilities while under oath,” she said.

Azima underscored that while Sajidh had pleaded guilty in court for the charges against him, he was not employed in a “normal” job.

When Sajid's lawyer claimed that he was not a sworn police officer, the presiding judicial panel inquired if he was a uniformed officer. In response, Sajid admitted that he did not take the oath, despite attending the swearing-in ceremony.

Pressed by the bench on his actions during the oath-taking ceremony, Sajid stated he merely stood there.

"I attended the ceremony that day and was somewhat apprehensive as it involved swearing an oath before God," Sajid informed the court.

Following this statement, the bench questioned Sajid regarding his receipt of salary without having taken the oath of office. Sajid conceded to this during the trial. The prosecution also highlighted that Sajid had signed the declaration of oath, despite his claim of not taking the oath.

The bench concluded that Sajid's declaration of not having taken the oath could not be interpreted as such, characterizing it as a significant falsehood presented before the court.