Local media reports from Sri Lanka have claimed that their authorities were unaware of the presence of 1988 coup conspirator, Abdulla Luthufee at the Maldivian Embassy in Sri Lanka.

When inquired by News 1st, Sri Lankan Police media division said Sri Lanka Police has not received information of the Maldivian national. Their works to obtain a comment from their Foreign Ministry proved to be futile as well.

Luthufee was allowed to travel to neighboring Sri Lanka on 16th January 2010 for medical purposes during former president Mohamed Nasheed’s administration. However, he went into hiding during the trip and has been residing in Sri Lanka for the past nine years as a fugitive. He presented himself voluntarily to the Maldivian Embassy on 1st of May, believed to be after the sweeps in Sri Lanka following the April Terror Attacks.

Even though Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameedh said last Tuesday that Luthufee would be transferred back to the Maldives within 48 hours, they were unable to do so citing pending documents.

Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs first addressed the issue last Wednesday. In a statement, the Ministry noted that all government institutions and necessary people were notified, once the Ministry had learnt of Luthufee's whereabouts. They also added that Sri Lankan authorities were also notified, and that works had begun to transfer Luthufee back to the Maldives. However, the Ministry noted that there were many challenges in doing so due to the nature of the case.

The Ministry said that there are certain procedures that need to be met as an Interpol Red Notice was issued. And as Luthufee was living in Sri Lanka as a fugitive without a valid visa and has attempted to gain asylum under human rights, they have to go through certain procedures. And it is an added obstruction as he wanted to turn himself in after the tragic bombing in Sri Lanka.

Foreign Ministry said that they are working to bring him back to the Maldives despite these challenges and Luthufee is currently in the custody of the Maldives Police Service. The statement said that they would continue their efforts to bring him back after completing the procedures within the laws and regulations of both the Maldives and the Sri Lanka.