Momoh’s wife relieved after 40-day ordeal

 

After 40 days of separation, Low Kar Hui is relieved that she and her two young daughters will soon be reunited with her husband Simon Momoh.

Momoh was arrested on March 15 for a drink driving offence. He later pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 45(A) of the Road Transport Act 1987, paid a RM12,000 fine, and was sentenced to a one-day jail sentence.

Instead of being released, he was taken to Kajang prison and then transferred to the Semenyih immigration detention centre.

The Immigration Department said it arrested him following his conviction, revoked his spousal visa, and issued him a deportation order.

The Shah Alam High Court ruled today that the department had contravened the Federal Constitution and the Immigration Act 1959 by continuing to detain the Nigerian man in the absence of a remand order.

Judge Ab Karim Ab Rahman also ordered for Momoh to be released as soon as possible.

Speaking to the media outside the courtroom, Low fought back tears as she celebrated the decision.

“I am in big relief right now knowing that he will be released soon. I am really grateful and thankful that justice is served for my husband,” she said while flanked by her lawyers V Vemal Arasan and Gurdial Singh Nijar.

Asked about the past 40 days, Low said it has been an ordeal for her whole family.

“It is very difficult. It has been a very difficult period for us but we stay strong for my husband. The children have been staying strong for their father,” she said.

Also with her was NGO Family Frontiers lead coordinator Bina Ramanand, who looked forward to Momoh’s release.

“We are happy that the family can be together soon and that the best interest of the children will prevail... as the father was the primary caregiver for the children.

“We are glad that Simon can come back and resume his duty as the father,” she said. - Mkini