-Trial set to resume on February 18

Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman has warned US-indicted businessman Azruddin Mohamed that the “wheels of justice must continue to turn in a timely manner” after he arrived late to court, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant that was later recalled.

Mohamed was scheduled to appear at 9:00 hrs in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to provide an update on the medical condition of his father, Nazar Mohamed, who is currently involved in ongoing extradition proceedings.

When the matter was called shortly after 9:00 hrs, Mohamed was absent. At approximately 9:05 hrs, Magistrate Latchman described his tardiness as disrespectful to the court and ordered that an arrest warrant be issued immediately.

Mohamed was later seen entering the courthouse at about 9:35 hrs. His attorneys approached the magistrate’s clerk seeking an opportunity for him to address the court, but Magistrate Latchman had already left for another matter. The defence then requested that Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty withdraw the warrant. Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty asked prosecutor Glenn Hanoman, appearing virtually, to contact Magistrate Latchman, and the matter was subsequently referred back to her for determination.

Magistrate Latchman initially joined proceedings via Zoom from the Diamond Magistrates’ Court, but technical difficulties prevented her from hearing Mohamed’s explanation clearly. She later returned to Georgetown to address the issue in person.

Upon her arrival, Mohamed explained that all four tyres on his vehicle had been slashed that morning, causing the delay.

Lead Prosecutor Terrence Willaims reminded the court that Mohamed had previously made public statements on social media suggesting the extradition proceedings could last up to five years, arguing that this indicated a potential intention to prolong the process.

Magistrate Latchman cautioned Mohamed, saying: “In your mind, your reasons are just, but the wheels of justice must continue to turn in a timely manner and it will do so under this court’s watch.”

She warned that any further lateness would not be tolerated and that he could be remanded to prison if it recurred.

However, she decided to temper justice with mercy and ordered that the arrest warrant be recalled.

This marks the second occasion Mohamed has arrived late to court. The Mohamed family has previously made several attempts to halt the extradition proceedings before the Magistrates’ Court.

The matter was adjourned to February 18, with Magistrate Latchman making it clear that any further lateness will result in Mohamed being arrested and held until his next court date.