Chief Justice Salesi Temo has postponed the judgment in the high-profile case concerning former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem until March 30, 2026. The case revolves around allegations that an unauthorized tax benefit was granted to Saneem in mid-2022.
Sayed-Khaiyum is facing a single count of abuse of office, accused of signing a Deed of Variation that allowed the Government to pay approximately $55,944 in back taxes owed by Saneem while acting as Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit, alleged to have sought and obtained tax relief without proper authority.
The prosecution contends that the agreement was a “replacement deed” crafted with corrupt intent aimed at circumventing the necessary constitutional oversight from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President. Conversely, the defense argues that the payment was a legitimate reimbursement for wages that had been withheld, framing the issue as an employment dispute rather than a criminal matter. They maintain that no public funds were misappropriated and that no constitutional provisions were violated.
Both Sayed-Khaiyum and Saneem are currently out on extended bail as they await the court’s ruling in March, illustrating the ongoing legal complexities surrounding this case. This postponement not only highlights the protracted nature of legal proceedings but also reflects the judiciary’s thorough approach to ensuring justice is served appropriately.
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