Businessmen Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed were cautioned by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday after the court was told they had not been consistently adhering to the reporting requirements attached to their bail.
The issue arose during the ongoing extradition proceedings at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where police records showed that the father and son had been irregular in their weekly reporting to the Ruimveldt Police Station.
According to the police records presented, the men had on several occasions reported outside of the stipulated timeframe—sometimes arriving earlier than required, at other times late, and in some instances as much as one or two days after the designated reporting date.
Under their original bail conditions, the Mohameds were required to report to the Ruimveldt Police Station every Friday between 13:00 hrs and 15:00 hrs.
If a Friday fell on a public holiday, they were required to report on the preceding Thursday.
After hearing of the inconsistencies, Magistrate Latchman ordered that the bail conditions be varied.
Under the revised order, the businessmen must now report to the Ruimveldt Police Station at any time between 00:00 hrs and 23:59 hrs on Fridays and sign their attendance in an official station register.
However, if a Friday coincides with a scheduled court appearance in the matter, they will not be required to report to the police station on that day.
The court also directed that if either man is unable to report due to illness, a medical certificate must be produced and forwarded to the police station.
Police are also required to make an entry in the station’s property book to record the submission of the document.
The amended reporting requirement will take effect from March 20.
While addressing the men in court, Magistrate Latchman reminded them of their obligation to comply with court orders.
“It is important that you follow the court’s orders. You are to report when you have to report. That is accountability and being responsible citizens,” the magistrate stated.
She also cautioned the individual who stood as bailor for the men, warning that any further breach of the reporting conditions could have serious consequences.
The magistrate said that if the order is violated again, the bail would be forfeited to the State and the two men would be remanded to prison pending the outcome of the extradition proceedings.
Both Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed apologised to the court for failing to strictly observe the reporting requirements.
The extradition case stems from a request by the United States, which is seeking the men to face charges linked to alleged gold smuggling and violation of customs laws.
Proceedings in the matter are continuing before the court with testimony from Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards.
