THE Shah Alam Sessions Court today acquitted and released celebrity preacher Syed Shah Iqmal Syed Mohammad Shaiful from a rape charge.

Judge Rihaida Rafie ruled that the prosecution has failed to prove a prima facie case against Syed Shah Iqmal, 27, better known as Da’i Syed.

Eighteen prosecution witnesses were called to testify at the trial after Syed Shah Iqmal plead not guilty to raping a 23-year-old woman in a condominium in i-City, Seksyen 7, Shah Alam at around 11.35pm on September 11, 2019.

Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Nazneen Zulkifli led the prosecution while lawyer Syed Amirul Syed Edros reprersented Syed Shah Iqmal.

After the verdict was delivered, Syed Shah Iqmal expressed his relief and thanked his family, friends and those who supported and prayed for him.

“Alhamdulillah syukur ke hadrat Ilahi, on 19 Ramadan, I was acquitted. I view this as a gift for my entire family as I have cleared my name and honour. Thanks also to my lawyer who stood by me all this time,” he said.

With the acquittal, Syed Amirul confirmed that Syed Shah Iqmal is now free of any legal charge.

Syed Shah Iqmal previously faced two charges – carnal intercourse against the order of nature and molesting a private college student.

He was acquitted of the charges on May 31 last year by the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court. – Bernama, April 10, 2023.