A Nigerian man was accused of possession of a false passport today after the authorities became suspicious when he presented the document during his civil marriage to a Maltese.

Emmydion Nwachukwu is pleading not guilty.

Defence counsel Franco Debono told the court that the accused has been in Malta since 2006 and was civilly married. He is due to have a wedding in church later this month.

He said these significant ties to Malta merited that he be granted bail.

The prosecution did not object, and bail was granted against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €10,000.

His curfew was waived for November 20 so that he may enjoy his wedding reception.