Psychiatric Report Ordered in 'Decuplet' Deportation Case

A judge has ordered a psychiatric report for Sam Okwuoha, a 28-year-old Nigerian man facing charges of obstructing his deportation. Okwuoha claims he is a victim of mistaken identity, alleging that gardaí confused him with one of his nine identical brothers.

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I am not the person

The case, described as the first prosecution of its kind, was before Dublin District Court. Okwuoha's defense applied to vacate the non-jury hearing due to concerns about his fitness to stand trial. His legal counsel stated they had been unable to conduct personal consultations regarding his well-being while he was on remand at Mountjoy Prison, from where he has since been moved to Cloverhill Prison.

Judge Michael Ramsey acceded to the prosecution's lack of objection and adjourned the hearing for four weeks, directing the psychiatric report. Okwuoha, who denies the charge, was remanded in continuing custody. He is accused of obstructing deportation on March 6 at Dublin Airport, following a deportation order signed on January 6 by the Minister of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

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It is the first time we have ever used it

During his arrest, Okwuoha reportedly stated, "I am not the person." Bail was denied three months prior. Garda National Immigration Bureau Detective Graham Dillon testified that the charge, related to the level of resistance during an attempted removal, has not been prosecuted before. Dillon expressed 100% confidence in the charge, stating it was confirmed by legitimate authorities. Okwuoha maintains he is one of ten children from the same pregnancy and claims he swapped places with a brother to come to Ireland. The detective expressed concerns Okwuoha would not appear in court if granted bail, citing a history of failing to attend proceedings and using false identities.

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and the removal had to be aborted due to his behaviour

The charge is a summary offense, punishable by up to 12 months imprisonment and a €2,500 fine.

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has not been prosecuted before. I suppose the level of resistance is unusual