Ex-MP Nihan ordered to pay MVR 900,000 to STO

Civil Court has ordered former MP Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik to pay MVR 900,000 to State Trading Organization (STO).

Civil Court ruled in favour of STO after the company filed a lawsuit at the court over unpaid rent for a food court leased to Nihan from the harbour. The harbour food courts were developed by STO during the tenure of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom.

The Civil Court on Tuesday ruled that Nihan had failed to pay the due rent according to the lease agreement between STO and Nihan. Therefore, the court ordered Nihan to pay the pending rent as well as fines, bringing the total due amount to MVR 959,000.

Nihan has been ordered to pay the amount to STO within six months. The verdict was delivered Tuesday in absentia.

AVAS has learnt that the food court was subleased to opposing Peoples' National Congress (PNC) leader, Abdul Raheem Abdulla by Nihan. A source close to Nihan said the food court was originally leased to Abdul Raheem although the agreement was in Nihan's name.

Nihan was a highly influential political figure under former President Abdulla Yameen's reign, and one of his most trusted aides. Currently a member of Jumhooree Party, he previously served as the majority leader of the 18th Parliament.