The Court of Appeal heard arguments on Tuesday regarding the extradition process involving U.S.-indicted businessmen Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed. Trinidadian Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes emphasized that the extradition cannot be halted simply because one of the men has entered politics and is now an opposition figure.
Mendes made his case during a session led by Acting Chancellor Roxane George, alongside Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Nareshwar Harnanan. He argued against the appeal challenging the Authority to Proceed (ATP) issued by Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond.
The court will deliver its ruling by March 17. This appeal stems from a February 4, 2026 ruling by Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh, who dismissed the Mohameds’ application to quash the ATP. The businessmen claim Walrond’s decision was tainted by political bias, particularly as Azruddin Mohamed was a candidate in the last general election and is politically opposed to the current government.
Trinidadian Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein, leading the defense, reiterated previous arguments that the minister’s political alignment raised concerns about bias and suggested that decision-making authority should be delegated to another official. Chancellor George queried how such a delegation would function if the alternative decision-maker could also be deemed biased.
Hosein insisted that despite any delegation, the essence of avoiding perceived political conflict remains crucial. He requested a stay on the magistrate’s court proceedings to allow the matter to be taken to the Caribbean Court of Justice should the appeal be denied.
In contrast, Mendes rebutted the defense’s comments, asserting that the law does not facilitate case-by-case delegation of a minister’s authority; it must be general and preemptive. He maintained that the ATP is procedural and does not decide extradition outcomes. Notably, Mendes separated the cases of Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed, stating that while political implications exist for Azruddin, there is no evidence of bias concerning Nazar.
Mendes highlighted that the extradition request predates Azruddin’s political involvement, suggesting that it should not be invalidated due to his subsequent electoral aspirations. Attorney General Anil Nandlall supported Mendes, urging that both the High Court challenge and the current appeal were unfounded.
As proceedings continue before Magistrate Judy Latchman, with a substantial committal hearing expected to finish soon, Mendes advised pursuing alternative legal routes, such as habeas corpus, post-committal.
With the case now under deliberation, the Court of Appeal is set to reveal its decision on March 17 at 2:00 PM, determining whether the extradition process against the Mohameds proceeds.
