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Judiciary committee sitting held today - Photo: Majlis

MALE : The Judiciary Committee of the People’s Majlis has decided to summon members of the Parole Board following the unlawful release of Abdulla Ibrahim, a high-profile drug kingpin operating out of Addu City.

The parliamentary inquiry was initiated following a motion submitted by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim to investigate the circumstances surrounding the release.

During a committee review meeting, ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid and Kurendhoo MP Mohamed Shamin Habib emphasized that dismissing the board members was insufficient, calling for a thorough inquiry and accountability measures to prevent future occurrences.

Because the government has already dissolved the previous board, the committee passed a secondary proposal by PNC Faresmaathoda MP Ashraf Rasheed to first gather written information regarding the board’s decision-making process.

The parliamentary probe comes amid sharp criticism from opposition figures and observers after Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan stated that board members acted without malicious intent and were not dismissed due to criminal guilt. Critics contend that merely removing board members without conducting a full criminal investigation leaves vital questions unanswered regarding potential bribery, corruption, or abuse of power in freeing a major drug trafficker.

Minister Ihusaan previously clarified that Ibrahim was serving three separate sentences totaling 12 years and six months, making him eligible for parole only after serving six years and three months.

The board mistakenly or intentionally miscalculated his eligibility using an eight-year sentence remainder after deducting pre-trial detention, granting parole after five years and 11 months. The government subsequently revoked the release decision, re-imprisoned Ibrahim, and removed the Parole Board members.