The high‑profile extradition proceedings involving businessman Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed took a tense turn on Thursday after Magistrate Judy Latchman firmly declared that the matter would not be allowed to drag on any further.
“This is not a game of chess; there will be no jumping,” the magistrate said, signalling her impatience with repeated interruptions and stressing the court’s intention to advance the case without further obstruction.
The father‑and‑son duo is fighting extradition to the United States, where they face federal charges, including money laundering, stemming from a request made under the 1931 Extradition Treaty between the United States and Great Britain.
During Thursday’s hearing, lead prosecutor King’s Counsel Terrence Williams, representing the United States, submitted a new statement from Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd. Williams indicated that the document formed part of the prosecution’s disclosure.
However, the late submission immediately triggered objections from the defence.
Attorneys for the Mohameds argued that they had not received the disclosure, which was reportedly emailed by attorney Glenn Hanoman around 1:00h on Wednesday, January 8.
They requested that the proceedings be halted or adjourned to allow adequate time to review the new material and adjust their defence strategy.
Outside the courtroom, attorney Siand Dhurjon, representing the Mohameds, sharply criticised the timing of the new evidence. He said the prosecution had repeatedly insisted they were ready to proceed, yet continued to introduce new material mid‑hearing.
“Yesterday at 2 p.m., they emailed a fresh statement. A statement of none other than the Minister of Foreign Affairs,” Dhurjon told reporters.
“We relished the opportunity to cross‑examine him… but we thought it unfair, because this was about the fifth disclosure of new statements.”
Dhurjon said the defence had already begun exposing “glaring gaps” in the testimony of the prosecution’s first witness, and accused the U.S. legal team of scrambling to fill those holes.
He welcomed the magistrate’s decision to allow time for the defence to reorganise its case, noting that the matter will now resume on February 5 and 6.
He also confirmed that the defence intends to cross‑examine Minister Todd:
“Yes, the minister will be thoroughly cross‑examined by each of us, you can rest assured.”
Dhurjon further interpreted the magistrate’s ruling of “no more disclosures” as a blow to the prosecution:
“It means that the pony show of the USA has to stop… They cannot now go and bring a new statement from a new officer or a new minister to plug those holes.”
Speaking after the adjournment, KC Terrence Williams dismissed the defence’s objections as exaggerated.
“This is a big song and dance over a very trivial formal issue,” he said. “A lot is being made up by the defence counsel regarding it. But in the long run, all things will prevail.”
Williams described the minister’s statement as “formal”, explaining that the Extradition Act requires certain certifications from the responsible minister.
Pressed on whether the minister would need to testify, Williams remained cautious:
“Let us see what happens in court.”
He emphasised that the prosecution is mindful of the need for efficiency but also fairness:
“The expeditious treatment of matters ensures to the benefit of the defendant, the courts, and the system of justice as a whole… but it must be balanced with giving the defence a proper chance to prepare.”
Williams declined to discuss the contents of the minister’s statement, saying it would be inappropriate to litigate the case in the media.
