ACC Appeals to High Court in Bid to Halt Police Promotions During Gov’t Transition

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has taken its case to the High Court, challenging the Civil Court’s decision to reject an injunction aimed at halting promotions bestowed upon several high-ranking police officials mere days before the new administration assumed office.

In mid-November, at least six officials ascended to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, while eight others were promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police.

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Despite the ACC’s appeal in October urging a freeze on all promotions during the transitional period, and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s request to the then-president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to refrain from making promotions during this phase, the promotions were carried out.

In response, the ACC filed a case with the Civil Court seeking to prevent the implementation of the promotions.

The Civil Court, however, denied the ACC’s injunction, citing a lack of submission of the necessary documents specifying how the court order should be issued.

The court determined that the ACC’s case did not meet the criteria, stating that the police’s non-compliance with the ACC’s directives did not impede the commission’s legal authority to conduct investigations.

Following the revelation of the promotions, the police asserted that the decisions were made in April but deferred until after the election to avoid any potential negative public perception.

The police maintained that the promotions adhered to established rules and regulations. The ACC’s appeal to the High Court signals a continued legal battle over the contentious promotions.