The Civil Court has ruled that Athama Plaza legally belongs to former Kaashidhoo MP and businessman Abdulla Jabir, bringing a years-long property dispute to a close.
In a judgment delivered on Sunday, the court confirmed that Jabir has the legal right to have the 10-storey commercial building transferred to his name. The ruling follows a prolonged disagreement over ownership of the property, which Jabir says he purchased more than 16 years ago.
Athama Plaza, a 7,700-square-foot building, is currently registered under the name of Ismail Abdul Latheef, the owner of Malisha Hajj Group.
In 2019, Ismail was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of fraud. The charges stemmed from a scheme in which he collected money from multiple individuals for Hajj pilgrimages that were never arranged. The conviction added further scrutiny to his business dealings, including the disputed property.
At one stage, the Civil Court had ordered that Athama Plaza be sold to settle a separate debt owed by Ismail. The building was even opened for auction as part of that process, raising questions about its true ownership.
Jabir’s Claim: A MVR 14 Million Purchase
Jabir has consistently maintained that he purchased Athama Plaza in 2010 for MVR 14 million. Despite the payment, the property title was never formally transferred into his name.
For years, the building was closely associated with him. His permanent address had previously been listed as the fourth floor of Athama Plaza, reinforcing his claim that he treated the property as his own.
In 2017, Ismail himself filed a case at the Civil Court seeking to complete the sale agreement. However, that case was later withdrawn while still pending, leaving the ownership issue unresolved.
Frustrated by the delay, Jabir filed his own lawsuit in 2021. He argued that Ismail had breached their agreement by failing to complete the legal transfer of ownership.
Court Finds in Favor of Jabir
In its latest ruling, the Civil Court concluded that the original sale agreement grants Jabir the legal right to have the property registered in his name. The court stated clearly that no competing claim overrides this entitlement.
As part of the judgment, Ismail has been ordered to complete all necessary legal procedures to transfer ownership of Athama Plaza, including its fixtures, within two months.
The ruling also noted that Jabir’s legal team had sought MVR 16 million in damages during the proceedings. However, the primary focus of the judgment was the enforcement of the transfer agreement.
Police Involvement and Past Tensions
The dispute over Athama Plaza was not limited to the courtroom. At one point, police officers entered the building after Ismail sought their assistance, claiming he had been denied access.
Following the intervention, control of the property was handed over to Ismail. The court at the time clarified that police would not be held liable for any damage resulting from the entry, provided the operation was conducted peacefully.
A Long-Running Case Nears Conclusion
With this ruling, the long-standing legal battle appears to be approaching its final chapter. After years of claims, counterclaims, and legal twists, the court has now affirmed Jabir’s right to ownership.
