The travel ban issued against former Villimale' MP Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik in connection to the MMPRC graft has been renewed.
During a preliminary hearing held at the Criminal Court on Thursday, the State requested the court to renew the travel ban issued against Nihan as the duration of the previous travel ban had expired. Nihan was granted the opportunity to respond to the request, and he stated that he had no objections to a travel ban. He also gave his assurance that he would not leave the country.
While no attorneys representing Nihan were present at Thursday's hearing, the judge inquired from Nihan whether he wished to proceed with the trial with an attorney. Nihan responded that since the case involved a large number of documents, he wished to be granted a period of 15 days to appoint an attorney. However, the presiding judge said only a duration of 10 days can be granted to appoint an attorney, and that a 10 day period had been granted.
A travel ban against Nihan was first issued in December 2020. At that time, rumors that Nihan intended to flee the country ahead of his trial surfaced, which Nihan was quick to deny. Nihan had assured that he had no intention of leaving the country.
Six charges have been raised against Nihan. This includes three charges of accepting bribes, two charges of offering bribes and one charge money laundering.
