A Nigerian man who claims he is one of 10 identical brothers has pleaded not guilty to obstructing his deportation in what is believed to be the first prosecution of its kind in the State.
Sam Okwuoha (28) was charged following an investigation by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), reports Breaking News.
The accused, who is alleged to be part of a “decuplet”, claims his arrest is a case of mistaken identity and has been charged under section 8(1)(a), (2) and 9 of the Immigration Act 1999. He has remained in custody on remand since March 10 following the alleged incident four days earlier, reports Breaking News.
He is accused of being at Dublin Airport while subject to a deportation order issued on 06.01.2026, and of obstructing or hindering a Garda officer, Detective Garda Graham Dillon, from carrying out the deportation order.
The charge alleges that while officers were attempting to remove him from the State, the deportation was interrupted due to his behaviour, reports Breaking News.
When formally charged, the man reportedly replied: “I am not the person,” and bail was refused.
He appeared again before Judge Alan Mitchell at Cloverhill District Court via video link on Friday, confirming that he was contesting the case, reports Breaking News.
Judge Mitchell recorded a not guilty plea and adjourned the case until Monday for mention only, to set a hearing date.
The defendant remains in continuing custody, reports Breaking News.
The offence is summary in nature and is dealt with in the District Court, carrying a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to €2,500.
During an earlier hearing, Detective Garda Dillon told the court that the charge was being used for the first time in such circumstances, reports Breaking News.
He said officers had attempted to deport the accused but were forced to abort the removal operation due to his behaviour.
The court was told the case involved an unusual level of resistance, and the detective confirmed it had not previously been prosecuted.
At the initial hearing on March 10, the Garda also outlined a number of objections to bail, stating there was concern the accused would not appear in court if released, reports Breaking News.
He further said the man had a history of using multiple identities and failing to attend court proceedings.
The defendant’s legal team told the court he maintains he is one of decuplets, claiming he has nine identical brothers and that he previously swapped places with a sibling before coming to Ireland, reports Breaking News.
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