In a significant judicial ruling, the Guyana Court of Appeal has unequivocally dismissed allegations of political bias against Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond regarding her authorization of extradition proceedings against political figures Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar “Shell” Mohamed. The unanimous decision, delivered by Chancellor of the Judiciary Roxane George-Wiltshire on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, found the case “has absolutely no merit” and upheld the minister’s compliance with statutory requirements under the Fugitive Offenders Act.
The court determined that Minister Walrond merely executed an administrative function in accordance with legal provisions when issuing the Authority To Proceed (ATP) on October 30, 2025. Chancellor George-Wiltshire emphasized that the appellants failed to substantiate claims that the process was tainted by political prejudice, stating that “bias does not arise” in circumstances where the minister fulfills statutory obligations without discretion between competing parties.
The ruling also addressed and rejected the application for a stay of extradition committal proceedings pending appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice, suggesting that matter should be directed to the regional judicial body. Furthermore, the court clarified that the ultimate decision regarding extradition rests with the judicial system—specifically the magistrate and potentially the Court of Appeal—rather than the minister.
The appellate court additionally dismissed arguments concerning potential delegation of ministerial authority, noting that any cabinet minister would similarly operate within the same governmental framework. The court awarded substantial costs of GY$1.5 million each to the Minister of Home Affairs and the Attorney General, reinforcing the lack of merit in the appellants’ claims.
The case originated from committal proceedings currently before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, who issued arrest warrants for the Mohameds on October 31, 2025. The appellants had contended that political statements made during the 2025 election campaign by President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, and Minister Walrond demonstrated institutional bias against them, particularly as Azruddin Mohamed leads the opposing We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party.