A Sicilian man with links to the Mafia and who is wanted by the Italian authorities for allegedly being in possession of almost 20 kilograms of cannabis, has accepted to be extradited to Palermo.

In a sitting yesterday, Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna declared Thursday’s initial proceedings before another magistrate to be null due to a number of procedural blunders but said the proceedings should now carry on as normal.

However, defence lawyers Anġlu Farrugia and Edward Gatt argued that since the proceedings had now been declared null, that meant their client – Salvatore Stefano Rizzotto, 38, of Syracuse – was being held illegally and should be released immediately.

Magistrate Apap Bologna replied that the law was clear and that no one should be discharged because of procedural errors. The lawyers then told the court they would file an appeal and an application before duty magistrate Gabriella Vella claiming illegal arrest.

Last night, Magistrate Vella declared the arrest to be legitimate and ordered that Mr Rizzotto remain under arrest.

Lawyers Donnatella Frendo Dimech and Leonard Caruana from the Attorney General’s Office, and Superintendent Sandro Zarb ­prosecuted.