A Nigerian was yesterday given a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to trying to use his brother’s passport to leave Malta illegally.

Friday Oje, 21, pleaded guilty to attempting to use his brother’s passport (Felix Oje) to leave Malta illegally. He attempted to leave Malta through the MIA after having escaped from the Hal Far immigration centre some months back. The court, presided over by magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna, took into account that the accused was a first time offender, his early plea as well as the fact that punishment would not damage his chances of seeking asylum in or outside Malta. He therefore handed down a six-month prison term suspended for two years.

Police inspector Sandro Zarb prosecuted while Dr Renzo Porsella Flores appeared for defence.