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March 10, 2026
The Court of Appeal on Tuesday refused an urgent request to halt extradition proceedings against businessmen Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar Mohamed, but said it will deliver its ruling on the matter on March 17.
The Mohameds had asked the appellate court to stay the extradition proceedings while their appeal is being considered. However, after hearing submissions from both sides, the court declined the request, allowing the matter before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman to continue.
The appellate panel was led by acting Chancellor Roxane George and included Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Nareshwar Harnanan. The appeal challenges a February 4 ruling by acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh, who dismissed the Mohameds’ attempt to block the extradition process.
In the High Court challenge, the Mohameds argued that the Authority to Proceed issued by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond was politically biased, citing Azruddin Mohamed’s involvement in politics and his plans to contest the September 2025 General and Regional Elections. The court rejected the argument, ruling that the minister was performing an executive function required by law.
Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, representing the State, told the court that the extradition request from the United States predated Azruddin Mohamed’s political involvement and that the authority to proceed is only a procedural step. Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, also argued that the legal challenge lacked merit.
Magistrate Latchman is scheduled to continue the extradition proceedings on March 12.
The case stems from a U.S. federal indictment in Miami alleging that the Mohameds participated in a scheme to evade taxes and royalties on gold exports, costing Guyana about US$50 million in revenue.
