AN African national accused of illegally staying in the country after his residence permit expired last year is facing court here.
Mumtaz Baidoo of Ghana is facing one count of unlawful presence.
He is charged under the Immigration Act 2012.
According to the Immigration, Baidoo’s residency permit expired in May, 2014.
Public Prosecutor Willie Vaiyu yesterday told the court that the accused was detained on 18 February 2015 by Immigration Director under section 32 (2) of Immigration Act 2012.
He said Baidoo was detained as the Immigration alleged he is staying illegally.
The accused was previously represented by Pacific Lawyers but has now changed legal representation.
He is now secured the service of Sol-Law.
According to Immigration, Baidoo, who came to work with the Muslim Association here had renewed his work permit but did not renew his residency permit.
Baidoo appeared yesterday without his legal counsel and the prosecution made an application to further detain him.
When asked if he had seen his lawyer, Baidoo said he did not.
He said he is in a state of dilemma and from the look of things he does not know what is going on.
Principal Magistrate Ricky Iomea told Baidoo that since he had already engaged a lawyer the court will have to adjourn to give time for him to provide instructions to his lawyer for plea.
The court heard that he wants to leave the country.
The court was told that there are some negotiations between the accused and his associates working for the Muslim Association here.
Mr Vaiyu of the association said they have received an itinerary for his departure but that travel date has already expired.
He said if only the defence counsel can inform court, they could rebook the accused.
Mr Vaiyu said why Baidoo is detained is so can set a date for him to return to his country.
He said one option is for his associates to make the bookings for him to leave the country or either to answer to the charge.
Mr Iomea said it is a matter for the Immigration or the Prosecution to allow Baidoo to leave the country or to answer to the charges.
He adjourned the matter to March 25 for the prosecution to consider what steps to take and to inform court what has occurred so far.
Baidoo is to see his lawyer between now and the next date as well if he is to take his plea.
The accused was further remanded under the detention of the Immigration.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
