Hope is fading for a Cobourg man imprisoned in Dubai and facing extradition to South Sudan.
Cobourg native Ryan O’Grady, (age 47), was born and raised in the community alongside his four siblings.
His father, Joe O’Grady, owned O’Grady’s Butcher Shop in Cobourg’s west-end plaza for a number of years.
As a businessman, O’Grady travelled around the globe before eventually settling in Dubai shortly after 2023, where he met his wife.
O’Grady was first arrested in Dubai in 2024 and was re-arrested on Nov. 18, 2025. He has now spent six months in jail over what Global Affairs Canada describes as “financial allegations that are the subject of legal proceedings.”
Global Affairs Canada added O’Grady had also indicated there may be additional financial matters in Dubai, although details have not been confirmed.
Last week, O’Grady had hoped an appeal before the Supreme Court of the UAE would bring relief, but the hearing never took place.
In an audio recording from jail obtained by Today’s Northumberland, O’Grady thanked supporters and spoke about the emotional toll the ordeal has taken on his family.
He said the past several months had been especially difficult for his wife and daughter, who decided to remain in the United Arab Emirates during recent drone strikes involving Iran.
“It is heartwarming to know we have so many people who care in this dark moment in our lives,” he said.
O’Grady claimed he was “still dealing with the games being played by the corrupt elements involved in this entire mess.”
Earlier in the week, he said his case would go before the Supreme Court of the UAE.
“We’re praying that the rule of law is upheld and this matter is finally closed.”
He added his lawyers had prepared what he described as a clear and comprehensive defence “that leaves no doubt on both my innocence and the risk of extraditing me to South Sudan.”
“We’re praying common sense prevails and God graces us with yet another miracle.”
Sitting in his jail cell each day, O’Grady said he was constantly reminded “that rumour and lies travel quickly, but facts, justice and truth are slower for a reason.”
At the end of the earlier recording, O’Grady said he still had faith in God, justice and the legal process.
But only days later, the tone of his voice had changed dramatically — from hope to despair.
O’Grady said the Supreme Court upheld the extradition order and he now fears for his life if sent to South Sudan.
“I was denied the opportunity to attend (court) after continued interference and the last 24-hours of trying to move me and then not calling me for the courts.”
He alleged the legal process lacked fairness and transparency.
“Even more bizarrely they have removed the other legal obstacles we had put in place through our lawyers to slow the process if this worst-case scenario was to occur.”
At the time of the recording, O’Grady said he still had not seen the court’s written judgment.
“The process has not been transparent, has not been fair. Dare I say while I’m still in this country, I’m not sure it’s legal — yet we are at the end of this rope.”
O’Grady said he had been told he could be transferred at any moment and once moved, he may lose all ability to communicate.
“If this is goodbye may I say, thank you. Thank you all for the support, the love, the prayers. It has been one hell of a life and a blessed one. All my love to each of you. Take care and be kind to each other.”
Global Affairs Canada confirmed it is aware legal proceedings have resulted in an extradition order to South Sudan.
O’Grady is being extradited pursuant to an Interpol notice issued at the request of the Government of South Sudan.
At this point, Global Affairs Canada has not confirmed the potential penalties O’Grady could face under South Sudanese law.
“Canada has formally expressed its opposition to Mr. O’Grady’s extradition to South Sudan, including through diplomatic engagement with senior United Arab Emirates officials,” Global Affairs Canada said in a statement to Today’s Northumberland.
“Canada has consistently raised concerns related to due process, fair trial guarantees, and the risk of mistreatment.”
“Following the court decision, Canada has sought further engagement with UAE authorities and requested consular access to Mr. O’Grady. Canada will also engage authorities in South Sudan and seek consular access upon his arrival.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
