Nigerian footballer pleads not guilty

A Libyan man who pleaded guilty to being in Malta without leave from the immigration authorities was yesterday given a six-month jail term suspended for a year.

Ahmed A Omar Hiros, 30, will be deported.

But a Nigerian footballer, Chuka Ngenge, 25, pleaded not guilty to the same charge, telling the court he had come here to play for the Mosta football club but was now hoping to play for Xghajra football club if his agent's negotiations bear fruit.

Inspector Sandro Zarb told the court that the Mosta football club wrote to the police on May 24 and informed them that the visa of Ngenge and others had expired, that they were not reapplying for an extension.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti denied Ngenge's request for bail, at least until he exhibited his passport in court and provided a fixed address.

Police Inspector Zarb prosecuted.

Dr Leo Bencini was counsel to the defendants.