The New Force Movement spokesperson has been released on GH¢20,000 bond and is expected to report to the police three times a week.
Ms. Shalimar Abbiusi, a citizen of Belgium, was taken into custody by the National Investigation Bureau after being invited as part of the Bureau’s efforts to find the individuals responsible for the development of the movement.
The movement claims that Ms. Abbiusi was called in for a meeting on Monday, December 4, 2023, and hasn’t been let out since.
Ms. Abbusi was granted bail after being charged on Monday with allegedly using fraudulent statements to get a student visa in Ghana at the Kaneshie district court.
In support of Shalimar Abbusi, the movement’s spokesperson, dozens of supporters gathered outside the court.
Wearing the movement’s colours, the followers yelled slogans and waved signs endorsing Ms. Abbusi.
The same judge remanded her into legal custody on Friday, December 8. The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) first charged her.
The accused individual was placed in legal custody and scheduled to make a court appearance on Monday, December 11, 2023. The prosecution was granted several days to wrap up their investigations.
The accused’s attorney, Mr. Jamal Tonzua, told the court that GIS only intended to violate his client’s rights and that she was entitled to a fair trial under Ghana’s Constitution. He also said that GIS ought to have finished their investigation before appearing in court.
Bail was requested by the defence attorney as his client posed no risk of escape.
Counsel stated that since the accused person’s passport was registered with GIS, the Service ought to be able to track her whereabouts.
The defendants had individuals of substance to act as sureties, according to the lawyer.
