Guyana Opposition leader seeks CCJ intervention to halt extradition to the US

Businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, who also serves as Guyana’s Opposition Leader, have filed an urgent application with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) seeking special leave to appeal last week’s Court of Appeal ruling, which cleared the way for their extradition proceedings to continue.

In their filing, the Mohameds are asking the CCJ to overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision, which dismissed their challenge to the extradition process and upheld earlier findings of the High Court. They are also requesting an immediate stay of ongoing extradition hearings before Magistrate Judy Latchman, warning that the process could conclude before their appeal is considered, potentially rendering it meaningless.

The extradition request originates from the United States, which in October 2025 sought the Mohameds’ transfer to face charges including fraud and money laundering. Following that request, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond issued an Authority to Proceed (ATP), the legal step required to begin extradition proceedings in Guyana.

The Mohameds initially challenged the ATP in the High Court, arguing it was tainted by political bias. That application was dismissed in February 2026, with the court ruling the minister’s role was administrative, not judicial. The Court of Appeal upheld this decision on March 17, 2026, finding no evidence of bias.

In their CCJ filing, the Mohameds argue that both courts erred in law, claiming:

The issuance of the ATP significantly affects their rights and should not be treated as a mere administrative act
Allegations of political bias were not properly considered
Statements by senior government officials created a perception of prejudice
The Attorney General’s advisory role may have tainted the process

The filing also highlights Azruddin Mohamed’s position as Opposition Leader and contends that government officials’ prior public criticism of the Mohameds could contribute to perceived bias. The application notes that rapid scheduling of multiple court dates increases urgency, underscoring the need for a stay while the CCJ considers the appeal.

A Case Management Conference at the CCJ is scheduled for March 25, 2026, where the court will decide whether to grant special leave to appeal and whether the extradition proceedings should be paused.