LEWISTON –– The Lewiston City Council has voted to investigate one of its newest members to determine his eligibility to hold his seat.

The council voted 6-1 to authorize the city attorney to hire an independent third-party investigator to look into Iman Osman’s eligibility to serve as city councilor.

Osman, who won election in November 2025, took the oath of office Monday night at the council’s meeting, but is facing allegations that he does not have a valid address in Ward 5, which he now represents.

His address, 210 Blake St., is in a building that has been declared condemned. He is also facing indictments on gun trafficking charges. Mayor Carl Sheline has called for Osman to resign, describing the allegations and indictments as a “distraction” the council should not have to endure.

“My position hasn’t changed,” Sheline said Monday. “This represents an enormous amount of distraction for the city.”

Council President David Chittim said he was merely interested in getting the facts regarding Osman’s eligibility.

“I think the best way to resolve this unwanted distraction is to have an independent, third-party investigator present to the council facts – not inuendo, not suggestion, not conjecture, but facts and interpretations of law that apply,” he said. “That’s the purpose of this resolve.”

Public commenters were split on Osman. Andrew Jones, a Ward 2 resident, said he was concerned about charges against Osman relating to firearms.

“His legal troubles are a concern for this city,” he said.

One resident, who identified himself only as “Mohammed,” and a Ward 5 resident, said he believed Osman was being targeted, despite being elected.

“Councilor Osman was elected by voters, not selected or appointed,” he told the council. “He earned his seat through the ballot box just like everyone else who is sitting here now.”

The vote was 6-1, with Osman providing the only no vote. He offered no other comment on his eligibility during the meeting. The investigator, according to the council, will provide a report with findings to the council at a later time.