Suspect in murder of Dhangethi entrepreneur Mahmood Aboobakuru, Sha Alom 'Salim' Mia, has pleaded guilty to committing Mahmood's murder.
Mahmood, 57, was found murdered inside a well in an abandoned house on the island on October 15. Sha Alom, 29, who worked as a live-in caretaker of an elderly man, was arrested for the murder the following day. The state has raised two charges against him: Murder with intent and the abuse of a corpse.
Earlier, during the police investigation stage, Sha Alom had admitted to committing the murder. In a hearing held at the Criminal Court on Wednesday, Sha Alom once again admitted his guilt and requested a plea deal to lighten his sentence. However, Mahmood's heirs declined to heed his request and said they wished to seek the death penalty for Sha Alom. The state, therefore, decided against entering a plea deal.
As Sha Alom did not have the financial capacity to hire a lawyer, he has a state-appointed lawyer.
Speaking in court with the help of an interpreter, Sha Olam said he murdered Mahmood because the 'devil entered his head.' He admitted his guilt, sought forgiveness, and said he could say more.
As Sha Alom had pleaded guilty, his lawyer requested that the judge conclude the case as soon as possible. The judge agreed and said a verdict would be reached next Wednesday.
Sha Alom Mia
