In a significant legal development on January 22, 2026, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay formally petitioned the court to dismiss the constitutional claim targeting former Police Minister Kareem Musa regarding the Joseph Budna abduction controversy. Courtenay asserted during afternoon proceedings that the lawsuit lacks both legal foundation and factual substantiation to merit judicial consideration.
The seasoned legal expert emphasized that constitutional claims directed at the State must properly name the Attorney General as respondent rather than individual cabinet ministers. “From a legal standpoint, this case is fundamentally misdirected in targeting the minister personally,” Courtenay stated during post-hearing remarks.
Legal scrutiny of Budna’s extensive 149-paragraph affidavit revealed merely tangential references to Minister Musa without presenting concrete evidence connecting him to the alleged kidnapping or subsequent mistreatment. The incident, which occurred on August 22, 2025, near Orange Walk Town police station, involves Budna’s assertion that his abduction was state-sanctioned.
Courtenay challenged the plaintiff’s legal team regarding their procedural approach, noting their indication that evidence and witnesses would be presented at a later stage. “The judicial system requires substantiation at the appropriate time—one cannot simply promise evidence for future disclosure,” he contended, adding that informal assertions lack the evidentiary weight required in legal proceedings.
The defense has concurrently filed for cost recovery, arguing that since the claim was brought against Musa in his personal capacity rather than his ministerial role, the plaintiffs should bear associated legal expenses. This motion underscores the defense’s position that the case represents an improper targeting of an individual rather than the state apparatus.