Judge Orders Psychiatric Report for Man Claiming 9 Identical Brothers in Deportation Case
A judge ordered a psychiatric report for Sam Okwuoha, 28, accused of obstructing deportation. Okwuoha claims he was mistaken for one of his nine identical brothers. The case is adjourned for four weeks, and he remains in custody.
A judge has ordered a psychiatric report for Sam Okwuoha, 28, a Nigerian man accused of obstructing deportation. Okwuoha claims gardaí confused him with one of his nine identical brothers. This is the first prosecution of its kind, stemming from a Garda National Immigration Bureau investigation.
Defence barrister Jade O’Brien requested vacating the trial due to concerns about Okwuoha’s fitness, as she was unable to consult with him while he was on remand at Mountjoy Prison, before being moved to Cloverhill Prison. Judge Michael Ramsey adjourned the case for four weeks for a psychiatric report, with no objection from the prosecution. Okwuoha remains in custody.
Okwuoha denies obstructing deportation on March 6th at Dublin Airport, following a January 6th removal order from the Minister of Justice. He maintains he is one of 10 children from the same pregnancy and that he «swapped places with his brother and came to Ireland.» Gardaí opposed bail, citing his history of failing to appear in court and using different names and identities. The charge is a summary-only offence, punishable by up to 12 months in prison and a €2,500 fine.