TikTok Personality 'Yaya' Sentenced to Life in Prison for Drug Trafficking

Mohamed Nabeel, widely recognized on TikTok by his alias Yaya for his controversial and indecent content, has been sentenced to life in prison following a conviction for drug trafficking. The verdict was delivered by the Criminal Court on Monday.

Dual Sentencing and Heavy Fines

The court also imposed a fine of MVR 100,000 on both Nabeel and his co-accused, Adam Mohamed, known locally as Bichana from HDh. Kulhudhuffushi. In addition to the fine, each was handed a 25-year prison sentence. The financial penalty must be paid within 12 months of sentencing.

While Nabeel admitted that the drugs in question belonged to him, he maintained during the trial that they were intended for personal use, not for distribution. Despite this claim, the court found sufficient grounds to convict him of trafficking.

Adam Mohamed, on the other hand, denied all charges. However, the judge ruled that the evidence presented was enough to establish his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A History of Legal Trouble

This is not the first time Nabeel has faced legal issues. In 2022, the Criminal Court sentenced him to one year and one month in prison for producing and possessing nude playing cards, a case that also stemmed from public complaints about his behavior on social media. His repeated indecent performances on TikTok have sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the lack of action taken earlier by authorities to address his online conduct.

Public Reaction and Social Concerns

Nabeel's online persona has long drawn public disapproval, particularly for content that many deemed offensive and inappropriate. His arrest and sentencing have reignited conversations about digital accountability and the effectiveness of current laws in addressing misconduct on social media platforms.

Many citizens have expressed frustration over what they see as delayed justice, arguing that his prior actions on TikTok should have warranted more serious consequences before his drug-related arrest.