Suspended NAMDIA employee Charles Roman appeared in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate's Court today on charges of defeating the ends of justice and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

Roman's appearance followed his arrest in the early hours of Wednesday.

State Prosecutor Riwayn Doeseb applied to transfer the matter to Bethanie Magistrate's Court, arguing the offences occurred within that jurisdiction.

Roman's lawyer, Theo Carolus, opposed the application and demanded his client's immediate release.

Carolus argued that both the arrest warrant and seizure warrant are defective, vague, and infringe his client's rights. He noted the arrest warrant failed to clearly identify the accused, while the search warrant only vaguely mentioned "cellphone devices."

The defence revealed that two cellphones belonging to Roman were seized and requested their return. Carolus added that the midnight search violated the Criminal Procedure Act, rendering it invalid.

State Prosecutor Doeseb requested time to respond, and Magistrate Mulonda Masuku stood the matter down until this afternoon.

When proceedings resumed, the State argued the warrants clearly specified charges, Roman's name, and address, and were lawfully executed despite occurring at 2:30am. Doeseb explained that the early morning timing resulted from Roman evading police and was conducted in good faith.

Magistrate Masuku adjourned the matter until Friday for ruling.