KOTA KINABALU: An arrest warrant has been issued against a self-styled Sulu Sultan and his two sons for failing to appear in court for several court cases.

       The Magistrate’s Court made the order on Tuesday (March 15) and issued the warrant against Datu Mohd Akjan Ali Muhammad, Mahathir Datu Mohd Akjan and Mohd Ghazali Hanif Mohd Akjan.

       All three were charged with rioting at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) two years ago.

       Magistrate Lovely Natasha Charles issued the order following an application by the prosecution due to their absence when the case came up for further mention.

       The court was told that all three accused were not present in court while their counsel was on medical leave.

       One of the sons was also supposed to be in court for a separate hearing for a drug-related case.

       Akjan, 64, Mahathir, 29, and Ghazali, 23, allegedly committed the offence along with two accomplices still at large at 7.45pm on Jan 19, 2020 in front of the Malindo Air Counter at KKIA.

       They had on July 16, 2020 pleaded not guilty to the charge under Section 147 of the Penal code, which carries a maximum seven-year jail term and possible caning upon conviction.

       They were released on court bail, and Lovely set March 29 for mention and the review of the warrant of arrest.

       Meanwhile, the court also issued a warrant of arrest against Ghazali for not being present in court for the hearing of a drug-related case.

       The court also fixed March 29 for mention and review of the warrant of arrest.

       The trio were represented by counsel Farazwin Haxdy.