By Vasinatta Yama – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Justice Sir Bernard Sakora’s date for ruling is set for June 7 at the Waigani Committal Court.
Sir Bernard was arrested and charged for official corruption on April 11.
His lawyer, Loani Henao, is pushing for his case to be dismissed, and maintained that he is a Constitutional and Judicial holder.
Mr Henao told Magistrate John Kaumi in his submission, in reply, that there are jurisdiction issues to be raised in the prosecution of Sir Bernard.
The Court is still waiting for directions from the public prosecution in order to respond and proceed with the case.
Sir Bernard’s submission, on May 9, showed that there was no direction from the Public Prosecutor to prosecute Sir Bernard, however, the informant from the Fraud office, Joel Simatab, commenced without jurisdiction.
However, the court was told that the directions from the public prosecutor to prosecute the case came after the arrest of Sir Bernard on April 11.
An arrest of warrant was obtained at the Waigani District Court on April 7, and Sir Bernard was arrested on the 11th and appeared in Court on April 13.
Henao also told the court that even if there was a direction from the Public Prosecutor, the charge against Sir Bernard and the Warrant of Arrest issued was in bad law, as it was not signed by a Magistrate.
Sir Bernard was charged for official corruption in April.
The committal court on June 7 will decide whether the matter will go to the National Court or be dismissed.
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