PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has intervened in a politically charged extradition case involving Guyanese opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed and his associate Nazar Mohamed. During a procedural conference convened on March 25, 2026, the regional court imposed a temporary stay on extradition proceedings pending its decision on the applicants’ request for special leave.
The case originates from an October 30, 2025 extradition request by the United States government, seeking the Mohameds’ transfer to face an eleven-count criminal indictment alleging conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and money laundering. Following the request, Guyanese authorities issued an Authority to Proceed under the Fugitive Offenders Act and obtained arrest warrants, initiating formal extradition proceedings.
The applicants previously challenged the validity of the extradition process through judicial review proceedings in domestic courts, arguing against the legality of the Minister of Home Affairs’ decision to proceed. Both the High Court (February 4, 2026) and Court of Appeal (March 17, 2026) dismissed these challenges and refused to stay the proceedings.
The CCJ, recognizing the matter’s urgency and constitutional significance, established an expedited timeline for consideration. Presided over by Justice Winston Anderson alongside Justices Rajnauth-Lee and Ononaiwu, the court directed respondents to file opposition affidavits by April 2, 2026. Written submissions must be completed by April 10, with reply submissions due by April 15.
The special leave application hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM Atlantic Standard Time, to be conducted via video conference and livestreamed on the court’s YouTube channel. This proceeding will determine whether the CCJ will hear the substantive appeal against the Guyanese courts’ decisions.
Legal representation features prominent Caribbean jurists, including Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein leading the appellants’ team, while the respondents are represented by Douglas Mendes, SC, and Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall, among others. The outcome could set significant precedents for regional judicial review and extradition protocols within the Caribbean Community.