Sudden Re-Arrest Sparks Controversy in Abbiusi’s Ongoing Legal Battle
In a dramatic turn of events, Shalimar Abbiusi, who had her charges dropped earlier in the day, was swiftly re-arrested on the court premises, fueling speculation about a plot to deport her. The Belgian national, who faced accusations of presenting false documents, found herself at the center of a legal saga that has captivated the nation. As the case takes another twist, questions surrounding power abuse, persecution, and human rights violations are being raised.
Following her sudden re-arrest on the premises of the court earlier the same day, Shalimar Abbiusi’s ongoing legal battle has taken an unexpected and controversial turn. State prosecutors dropped charges against her, leading to her discharge from the case.
According to reports from Joy FM, Shalimar was repatriated late in the evening, with her confiscated items, including an iPhone 13 and ID cards, returned to her possession. However, the events leading up to her re-arrest have left many bewildered and suspicious of a plot to deport her.
Abbiusi, a Belgian national, was initially arraigned on accusations of presenting false documents, claiming to be a student at the Ghana Christian University College to secure a residence permit. Despite being granted bail in the amount of GHc 20,000, the case took a surprising turn when immigration prosecutors, led by ACI Adolf Aboagye Asenso, stated in court that they were instructed to withdraw the charges. As a result, the accused was discharged, and the case was struck out as withdrawn.
Nevertheless, as Abbiusi left the courtroom, she was promptly re-arrested by an immigration van, prompting accusations of a conspiracy to deport her. Despite resistance from her lawyers and family members, Shalimar was seen being led into the van. In response, Abbiusi’s legal team, led by Francis Xavier Sosu, filed a case in the Human Rights Court, challenging what they described as arbitrary actions by the immigration service.
“We have filed an action in the Human Rights court against them. For all other processes they may want to take for purposes of either trying to remove her from the country or not, I am hoping that by the close of the day or by afternoon they will all be served with those actions and they will appear in court to come and answer for what they are doing. Because we knew that there is a likelihood that they will be behaving in the manner they are behaving. And this is so arbitrary and this should not be tolerated in any democracy,” expressed Francis Xavier Sosu during an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.
Simultaneously, the Ghana Immigration Service revoked Abbiusi’s residency permit, claiming that her continuous stay in Ghana was illegal. The decision and plans for repatriation sparked chaotic scenes outside the court premises. Earlier in the day, the state prosecutor dropped all charges against Abbiusi, ordering the release of her seized iPhone 13 Pro due to a lack of incriminating evidence.
As the legal drama unfolds, the visibly emotional parents of Ms. Abbiusi are left grappling with the potential deportation of their daughter. The New Force, in a press release on December 7, raised concerns about alleged power abuse, persecution of political opponents, and human rights violations amidst Abbiusi’s ongoing legal battles. Meanwhile, Shalimar’s lawyer, Francis Xavier Sosu, has reportedly stated that despite her repatriation, the legal battle will continue in the courts.
The re-arrest of Shalimar Abbiusi after her charges were dropped has left many questioning the motives behind the sudden turn of events. As the legal battle continues, the case raises concerns about power dynamics, persecution, and potential human rights violations, prompting heated debates surrounding the principles of justice and fairness in Ghana’s legal system.