Two illegal immigrants, one of whom was on the run for six months, were yesterday charged with forgery and giving false information after attempting to leave Malta.

Nigerian Dennis Abiku, 23, and Togolese Fred Obeng, 24, are alleged to have attempted to depart using forged passports, identification cards and residence permits.

Mr Abiku, wearing a white New York Police Department hooded jumper, pleaded not guilty to the charges while Mr Obeng pleaded guilty.

Mr Obeng, who lives in Msida, was jailed for six months. Mr Abiku, who had escaped from the Safi detention centre last June, was remanded in custody.

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