HIGH COURT STAYS PROSECUTION OF METHONI VERNON DUE TO UNLAWFUL RENDITION AND BREACH OF IMMIGRATION LAWS

The High Court of Antigua and Barbuda has stayed the prosecution of Methoni Vernon for murder, citing gross violations of due process, unlawful rendition, and breaches of immigration laws and procedures.

In a ruling delivered on February 10, 2025, the Honorable Justice Tunde A. Bakre found that Vernon was illegally removed from Dominica to Antigua in 2016, in a manner that bypassed legal extradition channels and immigration protocols.

Counsel Andrew O’Kola Esq., representing the Mr. Methoni Vernon states that the central issue before the Court was: “Whether the prosecution of Methoni Vernon should be stayed as an abuse of process due to his unlawful rendition from Dominica to Antigua, in violation of established extradition procedures, immigration laws, and his constitutional rights.”

The Court ruled that continuing the prosecution would constitute an abuse of its process, stating that the Antiguan authorities failed to follow established legal and immigration procedures in securing Vernon’s return to the jurisdiction.

Case Background and Ruling

Mr. Vernon, a Jamaican citizen, had been residing in Dominica with his partner and child when he was detained by Dominican police in 2016. Despite being told he was being deported to Jamaica, he was instead forcibly transported to Antigua, where he was arrested upon arrival.

Evidence before the Court demonstrated that no formal extradition request was made, and Dominican and Antiguan authorities collaborated to circumvent legal deportation and immigration procedures.

Justice Bakre, in his ruling, emphasized that the failure to follow immigration laws and proper extradition procedures rendered Vernon’s prosecution fundamentally unfair and unlawful.

The ruling referenced Bennett v Horseferry Road Magistrates’ Court [1994] 1 A.C. 42, which establishes that a court must stay proceedings where a defendant has been illegally brought into the jurisdiction.

Statement from Defence Counsel Mr. Andrew O’Kola Esq., lead counsel for Vernon, welcomed the ruling and condemned the authorities’ disregard for immigration and extradition laws: “This case is a stark reminder that the States ought not to circumvent due process to achieve its objectives. The immigration laws and procedures in both Dominica and Antigua were completely disregarded in what was a clear case of unlawful rendition. The proper legal channels exist for a reason, and the Court has rightly refused to condone this egregious violation of Mr. Vernon’s rights.”

He further stated: “Immigration laws are designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and respect for fundamental rights. What occurred in this case was not a lawful deportation, but a deliberate, unlawful transfer engineered by law enforcement authorities. The Court has reaffirmed that such conduct cannot be tolerated.”

Significance of the Ruling

The ruling establishes an important precedent in cases involving improper deportation and disguised extradition. It reinforces the principle that the judiciary has a duty to safeguard against executive overreach and to prevent unlawful state actions from tainting the justice system.

Justice Bakre emphasized that the legal procedures governing deportation, extradition, and immigration controls must be followed, and any deviation undermines the rule of law and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

“No matter how serious the allegations against an individual, the law must be followed. If the State wishes to prosecute someone, it must do so within the framework of lawful immigration and extradition procedures,” Mr. O’Kola added.

Next Steps

With the stay of proceedings granted, Mr. Vernon has been discharged. The defense has called for greater accountability and strict adherence to legal procedures in future extradition and immigration matters to prevent similar abuses from occurring.

Ruling – Methoni Vernon 14.02.2025