Sean McGovern, 39, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates, has been charged with murder and other offenses related to directing the activities of a criminal organisation. He appeared before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin under high security.

In court, before judges Karen O’Connor, Elma Sheahan and Grainne Malone, he faced five charges. These included the murder of Noel Kirwan, who was fatally shot in Dublin in December 2016 during a feud between the Hutch and Kinahan criminal gangs, despite having no criminal connections. McGovern is also accused of directing the activities of a criminal organisation related to noel Kirwan’s murder, and facilitating the crime gang’s murder of Mr. Kirwan between October 20th and December 22nd, 2016.

Additional charges include directing the activities of a criminal organisation in relation to monitoring James Gately, and facilitating a conspiracy to murder Mr. Gately.

McGovern, dressed in a gray T-shirt, tracksuit bottoms, and black sliders with white socks, confirmed his name to the court.

Olan Callanan BL, McGovern’s barrister, stated that they were reserving their position regarding the lawfulness of the arrest and the court’s jurisdiction.

More than 20 Garda members were present in the courtroom during the brief hearing.

McGovern was apprehended in the UAE last October following the issuance of an Interpol red notice.

Ireland finalized an extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates shortly after his arrest.

On Wednesday, McGovern was handed over to gardai in Dubai and afterward transported back to Ireland on an Irish military plane on Thursday.

Upon arrival at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, he was formally arrested by police investigating the Kinahan crime gang’s activities.

Detective Sergeant Donal Daly informed the non-jury court that he arrested mcgovern at 6:38pm.

McGovern has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court again on June 5th at 11am via videolink.