-by Kimberly Giddings

Another defence attempt to delay the extradition proceedings against businessmen Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, failed today, clearing the way for the prosecution to advance its case on the documentary and arrest process underpinning the extradition request.

Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine took the stand as the prosecution’s second witness.

Defence attorney Roysdale Forde opened Thursday’s hearing by asking Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman to pause the proceedings pending further clarification from the Court of Appeal. 

The Magistrate refused, pointing to the existing order allowing the committal hearing to continue, although she cannot make a final determination until the Mohameds’ constitutional appeal is resolved. 

With that challenge unsuccessful, Prosecutor Herbert McKenzie called Head of the Guyana Police Force Special Branch, Senior Superintendent Prem Narine. Through Narine’s testimony, the prosecution sought to establish the documentary and procedural steps leading to the arrests of Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed. Narine gave evidence about receiving documents connected to the United States’ extradition request, obtaining arrest warrants and subsequently executing those warrants. 

He identified documents bearing the signatures of Guyanese and United States officials, along with arrest warrants for both men. The defence objected to the admission of some documents, arguing that Narine was not their maker and could not properly authenticate them. 

The prosecution countered that the law did not require the makers to personally appear to tender the documents. Chief Magistrate Latchman subsequently allowed several documents to be admitted as exhibits. Narine also testified that on October 31, 2025, police encountered Azruddin Mohamed sitting in a vehicle bearing registration PZZ 5000. 

He said Mohamed was informed that the United States was seeking his extradition over allegations including money laundering and wire fraud and that a warrant had been issued for his arrest. Mohamed was then arrested and requested his attorney, Siand Dhurjon. 

During cross-examination, Dhurjon questioned Narine about the handling and filing of documents and entries in the court’s logbook. 

Magistrate Latchman restricted that line of questioning, ruling that questions concerning court filings and registry logbooks should be directed to the registry. 

The hearing continues on Friday, with Narine expected to remain under cross-examination.