Dr. Mohamed Munavvar, the President of the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry established to probe the case of a young woman found injured on the rooftop of a building in Male’, states he will immediately resign if there are any attempts to influence the Commission.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu set up the Commission on Sunday, tasking it to conduct an independent and credible investigation into the incident.
The Commission first comprised of three male members: Munavvar, Brigadier General (Retired) Ahmed Mohamed, and Dr. Mohamed Habeeb.
Munavvar was designated the president of the Committee.
The lack of women in an inquiry into a sensitive case involving a young female victim has sparked criticism.
Moreover, Habeeb resigned from the Commission just a day after it was incepted. While Habeeb declined to comment on his decision when Sun reached out, Sun has learned that Habeeb, a native of Addu City’s Hithadhoo district, is third cousins with the mother of the prime person of interest in the case—Raudh Ahmed Zilal, who had been with Yumnu moments before her fall.
But it is unclear if this is the reason for his resignation.
The President subsequently changed the composition of the Commission, making three new appointments – two of them female. The new appointees are:
Dr. Moosa Murad, Malé Registry Number 641
Jabeen Mohamed, Moonimaage, Th. Veymandoo
Aminath Eenaas, H. Habaruge
The Commission held its first press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Dr. Mohamed Munawwar (C), president of the presidential commission for inquiry into Mariyam Yumnu's fall, speaks to reporters on April 30, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
Speaking at the press conference, Munavvar noted that many people were questioning his decision to become a member of the Commission, suggesting the criticism likely stems from his close relationships with several political figures.
“Correct, I am very close many political figures, as friends. What I have to say next is, you all should believe I am not a person who can be easily influenced,” he said.
As such, he assured that he cannot be influenced in the matter of something which should be investigated independently. He also affirmed that there will be no efforts to “whitewash” the findings of the case or work to protect the interests of a specific party.
“If it can’t be carried out independently and if there is any influence – that is any pressure to decide something against our beliefs – I will resign immediately,” he said.
“That is the assurance I will give,” he added.
Munavvar further said it is the Commission’s aim to conclude Yumnu’s case at speed.
Dr. Mohamed Munawwar, president of the presidential commission for inquiry into Mariyam Yumnu's fall, speaks to reporters on April 30, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
He reiterated that works of commission can proceed independently under his oversight.
The Commission established under a presidential decree has been granted extensive powers and privileges. They include:
To request cooperation and assistance from all state institutions, agencies, and individuals as needed;
To engage specialized foreign experts to aid the investigation;
To utilize the investigative powers granted to law enforcement agencies under the Criminal Procedure Act (Law No. 12/2016);
To seek arrest warrants and other judicial orders required for the inquiry;
To summon individuals for questioning and compel the submission of documents, evidence, or any material relevant to the case;
To subpoena documents, evidence, and information held by any institution or entity that previously investigated the incident.
The Commission will remain until the President declares that its mandate has been fulfilled.
21-year-old Mariyam Yumnu was found injured on the rooftop of a warehouse in the Henveiru district at around 07:30 am on April 18. According to the police, their investigation uncovered that she fell from a skylight on the ninth-floor stairwell of the adjacent building, H. Fentenoy, but that there was no evidence of foul play.
The case of Yumnu, who spent nearly three hours on the rooftop of a warehouse before a neighbor saw her and alerted the authorities, has sparked serial protests in Male’.
The protestors, a vast majority of them young men and women, have been demanding justice for her, and the resignation of top government and police officials over the alleged coverup.
The police had initially refused to name anyone else except for Yumnu. It wasn’t until six days later – on April 24 – that the police finally named eight people who had been with Yumnu in the party as persons of interest. Raudh Ahmed Zilal, 21; Izdhiyaan Mohamed Maumoon, 28; Aishath Layaaly Iqbal, 22; Yoosuf Ahmed Akram, 22; Yoosuf Yassar Abdul Ghafoor, 28; Aminath Junaina Jamsheed, 24; Hussain Hamees Ali, 28; and Ijaz Jaiz, 24.
Raudh, who was with Yumnu at Fentenoy, has been arrested and remanded in custody.