Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor has testified against former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
Former Vice President Adeeb was presented to Criminal Court on Thursday, as a state witness against former President Yameen. During the first encounter since 2015, former President Yameen aimed several questions at Adeeb, resulting in an argument between them.
Adeeb said no funds were deposited to any account bearing Yameen's name as campaign finances in 2015. However, Adeeb added Yameen would be fully aware that 1 million US dollars deposited to his account by SOF Private Limited was from the funds embezzled from Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).
Yameen initially revealed the 1 million US dollars deposited to his account opened at Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) was provided by SOF Private Limited in 2015 as campaign funds. Yameen also stated the funds were deposited through Adeeb. When the former president asked whether former vice president undertook illegal activities, Adeeb agreed.
While the charges claim the USD 1 million deposited to Yameen was the acquisition cost received following the lease of Vodumulaa in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Adeeb stated the police did not question him over funds received from certain islands. However, Adeeb revealed the lease of Vodumulaa was concluded swiftly following instructions from Yameen, adding funds were also deposited to SOF Private Limited as Yameen has instructed.
Further, Yameen asked about the part in the statement which said he had friendly relations with senior members of SOF Private Limited. Asked to specify how Adeeb described Yameen had friendly relations with senior member of SOF, Adeeb said former president met them during events, while some members directly carried money to the presidential residence. However, Yameen denied these allegations.
Furthermore, Adeeb expressed he has forgiven Yameen despite everything he was forced to go through during the past presidency. When asked repeatedly whether he undertook illegal activities to follow instructions given by Yameen, in an affirmative tone Adeeb reiterated Yameen was aware of all the wrongdoings, adding he is confessing without the fear of charges which could be raised against him due to the testimony.