Hamtramck City Council Denies Removal of Council Members Abu Musa and Mohit Mahood

In a heated session of the Hamtramck City Council on May 13, 2025, the spotlight was on the proposed removal of two council members, Abu Musa and Mohit Mahmood, amid allegations of residency violations. The council convened to discuss Resolution 2025-51, which sought to declare a vacancy and remove Musa from office. The discussion revealed deep divisions among council members regarding the evidence—or lack thereof—supporting the claims against them.

Councilman Hassan voiced concerns about the investigation process, emphasizing that the evidence presented was insufficient to warrant such drastic action. He stated, “We have not received any evidence until today that if these 2 live outside the city,” questioning the validity of the claims and the integrity of the investigation. His remarks highlighted a broader issue of transparency and due process within the council's decision-making.

The council ultimately voted on the resolution, which failed, with all members except one voting against it. The subsequent resolution, 2025-52, aimed at removing Mahmood, met a similar fate, as council members expressed similar doubts about the evidence presented. Mahmood himself passionately defended his residency, stating, “I’ve had the affidavit to be a resident of City Of Hamtramck. Since then, I’ve been living here, pay my taxes.”

The discussions also touched on the ambiguous definition of residency, with council members acknowledging the lack of a clear standard. This ambiguity has led to confusion and frustration among both council members and constituents, as they grapple with the implications of residency requirements for elected officials.

As the meeting concluded, the council moved on to other agenda items, but the unresolved issues surrounding the residency allegations and the integrity of the council's processes lingered in the air. The council's next steps remain uncertain, but the implications of this meeting could resonate throughout the community as residents seek clarity and accountability from their elected officials.