The spokesperson for the New Force political movement, Shalimar Abbiusi, was repatriated by the Ghana Immigration Service on the night of Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
This followed her re-arrest earlier in the day on the court premises, despite the state prosecutors dropping charges against her. Joy News reported that Shalimar was repatriated around 10 pm, with her confiscated items, including iPhone 13 and ID cards, returned to her.
Last week, Abbiusi, a Belgian National, faced 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 of GHc 20,000, the case took an unexpected turn when immigration prosecutors, led by ACI Adolf Aboagye Asenso, declared in court that they were instructed to withdraw the charges. The accused was discharged, and the case was struck out as withdrawn.
However, as Abbiusi left the courtroom, she was swiftly re-arrested by an immigration van, sparking accusations of a plot to deport her. Shalimar was seen being led into a van despite resistance from her lawyers and family members.
Abbiusi’s legal team, led by Francis Xavier Sosu, disclosed that they had filed a case in the Human Rights Court to challenge what they described as arbitrary actions by the immigration service.
Simultaneously, the Ghana Immigration Service revoked Abbiusi’s residency permit, asserting that her continuous stay in Ghana was illegal. The decision and plans for repatriation led to 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 drama unfolded, Ms. Abuissi’s parents were visibly emotional, and despite her repatriation, the New Force stated in a press release on December 7 that they would continue to raise concerns about power abuse, persecution of political opponents, and human rights violations amid Abbiusi’s ongoing legal battles. Meanwhile, her lawyer, Francis Xavier Sosu, has indicated that the legal battle will persist in the courts.