Shalimar Abbiusi, a spokesperson for the New Force political movement, is entangled in a complex legal situation, including a sudden re-arrest by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). Last week, Abbiusi, a Belgian National, faced accusations of presenting false documents claiming student status at the Ghana Christian University College to secure a residence permit. Despite being granted bail of GHc 20,000, the case took an unexpected turn when immigration prosecutors, led by ACI Adolf Aboagye Asenso, announced in court that they were instructed to withdraw the charges. The accused was subsequently discharged, and the case was struck out as withdrawn.
However, upon leaving the courtroom, Abbiusi was swiftly re-arrested by an immigration van, leading to accusations of a deportation plot. A video posted by Accra-based Joy News captured her being led into the van, despite resistance from her lawyers and family members. Responding promptly, Abbiusi’s legal team, headed by Francis Xavier Sosu, filed a case in the Human Rights Court, condemning what they deemed arbitrary actions by the immigration service.
New Force Spokesperson, Shalimar Abbuissi re-arrested by Ghana Immigration Service after the state prosecutors dropped charges against her in court. #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/Nb6TizvdDt
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) December 19, 2023
“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,” expressed Francis Xavier Sosu in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.
Concurrently, the Ghana Immigration Service revoked Abbiusi’s residency permit, asserting that her continuous stay in Ghana was illegal. This decision, coupled with plans for repatriation, resulted in chaotic scenes outside the court premises.
Earlier in the day, the state prosecutor dropped all charges against Abbiusi and ordered the release of her seized iPhone 13 Pro, citing a lack of incriminating evidence.
As the legal saga unfolded, Ms. Abbiusi’s parents displayed visible emotions as their daughter faces potential deportation. In a press release on December 7, the New Force raised concerns about power abuse, persecution of political opponents, and human rights violations amid Abbiusi’s ongoing legal battles.
