KUALA LUMPUR – Nigerian Simon Adavize Momoh has been released from the immigration depot in Semenyih, hours after his successful habeas corpus application.
High court judge Ab Karim Ab Rahman this afternoon ordered Momoh to be freed “as soon as practicable”, with many expecting him to leave the detention centre only on Monday.
Momoh told the press that he wants to spend time with his family, and thanked everyone for their support.
Counsel V. Vemal Arasan said his client will speak publicly in a few days’ time.
A photo released by Free Malaysia Today shows Momoh hugging his lawyer, with his wife and one of their daughters looking on.
Momoh was arrested on March 15 on suspicion of drink-driving. He pleaded guilty, and paid a RM12,000 fine and spent a day in jail.
However, his detention continued under immigration laws, and his spousal visa was revoked by the Home Ministry and Immigration Department.
Karim, in his decision to order Momoh’s release, cited the Immigration Department’s failure to comply with procedures.
Foreign spouses’ support group Family Frontiers Malaysia welcomed the court decision.
“Today’s awaited ruling has prevented a potential family breakdown, which would have inevitably affected Momoh, his wife and their two young children,” said the organisation in a statement.
“The number of binational families in Malaysia is growing as part of a globalising world, and over 150,000 spousal visas are issued annually.
“This makes it necessary for Malaysian law and governance to account for these families, in order to protect and strengthen the family unit, which is the backbone of society.” – The Vibes, April 23, 2021
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