Courtroom drama as dengue diagnosis halts Mohameds’ extradition case

Mar 25, 2026 News

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…doctor summoned, report challenged

By Shania Williams 

(Kaieteur News) – High drama unfolded at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Thursday as extradition proceedings involving sanctioned businessman and Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed were abruptly halted, triggering a heated clash over a dengue diagnosis that forced his doctor to be summoned to court.

The matter, which also involves Azruddin’s father, Nazar Mohamed, has been adjourned for 12 days and will resume on April 7 with the continuation of cross-examination of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards.

Azruddin Mohamed was notably absent from the 09:00 hrs hearing, while his father and attorneys Siand Dhurjon and Roysdale Forde appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman. Forde told the court his client was undergoing medical treatment after being diagnosed with dengue and had been advised to take 12 days of rest. He stressed that Mohamed was too ill to participate, even virtually.

Forde further stated that due to the severity of his condition, Mohamed is unable to participate in the hearing, even virtually via Zoom. As a result, Magistrate Latchman summoned Mohamed’s doctor to appear before the court at 13:30 hrs. In the afternoon session, Mohamed’s physician, Dr. Kawal Dalip, told the court that the examination was conducted at his laboratory and that he formally diagnosed Azruddin Mohamed, recommending 12 days of rest. He assured the court that Mohamed cannot be present for up to 12 days but indicated he would reassess him on the 10th day.

However, the medical report came under scrutiny from prosecutor Glenn Hanoman, who raised concerns about its authenticity, describing what he described as “red flags,” and requested that the doctor be cross-examined under oath.

Magistrate Latchman did not permit cross-examination but allowed the prosecutor to raise his concerns. Hanoman questioned the timing of the diagnosis, pointing out inconsistencies in the report. He noted that the document suggested the diagnosis was made before the blood sample was processed. “The blood sample was submitted to his lab at 11:50 hrs, yet he came to a diagnosis at 11:30 hrs, which is impossible.”

Dr. Dalip rejected the claim, stating, “It’s not an impossibility.”  Hanoman further alleged, “We believe that this is blood work of a different patient, not Azruddin Mohamed.” He also challenged the length of the prescribed rest, arguing that dengue-related sick leave is typically between three to five days. However, Dr. Dalip maintained that he usually recommends up to 14 days and added that Mohamed could not attend virtual hearings due to drowsiness caused by prescribed medication.

Additionally, Hanoman questioned Dr. Dalip’s credentials, noting that he is a gynaecologist, and applied for a new blood test to be conducted at a different laboratory. The defence strongly objected, arguing that the prosecutor lacks the medical expertise to challenge the doctor’s professional qualifications.

Maintaining his doubts, Hanoman told the court he intends to seek surveillance footage from the vicinity of the doctor’s facility to verify whether Mohamed visited the location. Magistrate Latchman stated that such evidence could be presented if obtained. After hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate Latchman adjourned the matter to April 7.

Speaking to reporters outside the court, Hanoman said he remained unconvinced by the medical report but acknowledged the court’s ruling. “I think the things that were raised were not effectively explained. I don’t see how he can come to a diagnosis without reference to blood work. He admitted that he came to a diagnosis without the blood work. I had fears that they probably used blood work from a different patient and they just put his name. I would’ve liked to question the person from the lab.”

Meanwhile, Forde criticised the prosecution’s position, describing the court’s approach as unusual but ultimately supporting the document’s validity.  “This is the most unusual course adopted by the court. I understand the need for the court to verify the authenticity of the document because people can produce fraudulent documents, but I believe that in a court of law… it ought to have ended with the satisfaction that this was a document in fact prepared by Dr. Dalip, an extinguished medical doctor and member of the medical profession.”

Forde went further, dismissing the prosecution’s claims. “The questions raised are worthless, a complete waste of time, another display of his lack of knowledge in law and proper procedure. What he cited as red flags are a bunch of nonsense.”

Responding to questions about why Mohamed would not agree to a second blood test, Forde said: “He has no right to. There is no obligation on him in the face of a medical report which states his illness to prove anything. He has a right to remain silent. He has brought a doctor who would have spoken on his behalf.”

Addressing Hanoman’s intention to seek video evidence, Forde added: “Mr. Hanoman can go to Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto, he can do whatever he wishes because he is on a course of stupidity.”

The Mohameds were granted bail in the sum of $150,000 each following their arrest on October 31, 2025, after U.S. authorities filed an extradition request. The extradition case stems from criminal charges filed in a United States federal court in Miami, Florida. According to a 25-page indictment unsealed on October 2, 2025, U.S. prosecutors allege that the Mohameds orchestrated a large-scale scheme involving fraudulent gold exports, customs violations, bribery, and the evasion of millions of dollars in taxes and royalties owed to Guyana. The extradition case has been ongoing for over two months, with the matter being heard almost daily.  Now the Mohameds have 12 days until the matter commence.

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• Azruddin Mohamed, Courtroom drama, Dengue, Kawal Dalip

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