Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has revealed the previous administration failed to apprehend and bring Abdulla Luthufee to Maldives as the former Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer was irresponsible and did not prioritise the arrest of the most dangerous terrorist the country have seen.
Speaking at the parliament regarding the delay in bringing Luthufee, who is currently held captive in Sri Lanka, Minister Imran said the administration began efforts on May 1, when Luthufee surrendered to the Embassy of Maldives in Sri Lanka. The minister detailed the governments of Maldives and Sri Lanka are working closely and effectively to bring Luthufee back to Maldives.
However, Imran said efforts have been delayed as Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka has not issued a document to transport Luthufee to Maldives. He said as soon as the document is issued, Maldives Police Service would bring Luthufee to Maldives. He added as Luthufee has overstayed in Sri Lanka when he travelled in 2010 for medical treatment, a payment needs to be made before he is given the permission to travel back to Maldives.
Furthermore, the home minister revealed although authorities were close to bring Luthufee back to Maldives in 2014, former Minister Umar Naseer halted the process in the last stage. He said there are no documents detailing the cancellation of the arrest and transportation of a high-level criminal, adding it is believed the order was given verbally.
Highlighting Luthufee was completing a 25-year jail sentence when he fled over 8 years ago, Minister Imran assured he would complete the sentence when he is brought back to Maldives, adding over 4 years of his sentence issued in 1989 needs to be completed.