Arimu Investments Inc., owner of Aiden by Best Western in Georgetown, has filed separate defamation suits against Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his sister, Hana Khamelia Mohamed, seeking substantial damages for statements and social media posts about the hotel.
The lawsuits were filed in the High Court on Monday by attorneys Sase Gunraj and Jayaram A. Sanasie of Gunraj & Co.
In its claim against Azruddin Mohamed, the company seeks more than $100 million in damages for defamation, together with aggravated damages exceeding $50 million and exemplary damages. It also seeks the removal of the disputed statements from online platforms, a permanent injunction against further publication, a public apology and retraction, publication of the court’s order, and payment of legal costs and interest.
According to the court documents, the first case concerns remarks Mohamed allegedly made at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on October 16, 2026. The statements were later circulated on social media, including pages operated by Prime News Guyana and Travis Chase.
Arimu Investments alleges that the remarks cast doubt on the hotel’s ownership by suggesting that members of the Alphonso family, identified in the claim as company shareholders, were merely nominal owners. In contrast, members of the First Family were the actual beneficiaries.
The company also disputes allegations that a police vehicle was present near the hotel, which Mohamed reportedly claimed had been stationed there for an extended period to provide security for the private establishment.
Arimu Investments maintains that the allegations are untrue and have damaged its business reputation and commercial goodwill.
In a separate action against Hana Khamelia Mohamed, the company is seeking more than $50 million in defamation damages, plus aggravated damages exceeding $50 million and exemplary damages.
The lawsuit concerns a Facebook post published on 16 October 2026 under the name “Hana Khamelia”.
According to the claim, the post discussed Best Western’s reported removal of a police vehicle from the vicinity of Aiden, following comments made by her brother at the Magistrates’ Courts. It also questioned the hotel’s ownership arrangements, described the Alphonso family as owners “on paper”, and alleged that a wealthy farmer held beneficial ownership.
The company contends that the publication could create the impression that the hotel’s ownership was concealed, that the business engaged in improper conduct, and that it benefited from preferential access to police resources.
Arimu Investments rejects those allegations and contends that the statements have harmed its reputation and commercial interests. It seeks the removal of the disputed content, an injunction to prevent further publication, a retraction and apology, publication of the court’s order, and legal costs and interest.
In both cases, the company seeks a court order preventing the defendants from repeating or circulating the statements in question.
The claims identify Arimu Investments as a privately held company that owns Aiden by Best Western, located at Lots 88–89 Oronoque Street, Bourda, Georgetown. The company states that its reputation and goodwill are essential to maintaining customer confidence, commercial relationships and future business opportunities.
The legal filings further contend that the statements have reached a substantial audience and could continue to spread through social media and other digital channels.
According to the documents, the defendants have 28 days from the service of the statements of claim to file their defences.
Separately, the United States is pursuing the extradition of Azruddin Mohamed and his father over allegations of wire and mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and customs violations. US authorities allege the cases involve a scheme linked to gold exports and tax evasion, valued at approximately US$50 million.
The indictment also alleges that Azruddin Mohamed was involved in a separate arrangement to import a Lamborghini from Miami to Guyana, with the vehicle’s declared value allegedly understated to avoid more than US$1 million in taxes.
The extradition proceedings are separate from the defamation lawsuits Arimu Investments filed. Both men have been granted bail of US$150,000 each. Meanwhile, the extradition matters proceed, subject to court-imposed conditions, including surrendering their passports and reporting to the Ruimveldt Police Station as directed.
The defamation claims remain before the court, and a judge has yet to determine the truth of the allegations in the filings.