By Martha Louis – EMTV News, Madang
Three public servants in Madang have been arrested over two counts of misappropriating K400,000 and official corruption. The three; former Provincial Administrator Daniel Aloi, Provincial Finance Director, Dick Moiga and Provincial Legal Officer, Godwin Haumu, appeared for their first mention this morning (June 14) at the Madang District Court.
Senior Provincial Magistrate, Josephine Kilage, who presides over the case, adjourned the matter to the 19th of July, to allow ample time for police to prepare an investigation report. The court heard that the three were charged with two counts of dishonesty under Section 383, subsection 1a of the amended Criminal Code Act, and abuse of public office as per Section 87 subsection 1a of the Criminal Code Act.
The arresting officer Charles Kukari from the National Fraud and Anti Corruption Directorate and Constable Kila Tati attached with the Boroko Police station, arrested the three. The three were charged for misappropriating K400, 000 belonging to the Madang provincial Administration. They were charged for raising a claim to New Komba Construction to renovate the official governor’s residence house, however, the court heard the money was diverted to the construction own use.
Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector, Ben Neneo, says he is aware of the investigation carried out by the National Fraud and Anti Corruption Directorate led by Charles Kukari. He added this arrest was a follow up of an investigation conducted earlier into the provincial government accounts. Of the three, former provincial administrator, Daniel Aloi’s arrest is the second time now. The first was in December 2017, where Aloi was taken into Madang police station for an interview.
However, former PPC for Madang Superintendent, Jacob Singura, intervened saying there are proper process to follow when interviewing high profile officers. Singura says the reports have to be tabled through the Police Commissioner’s office, and vetted by the Vetting Committee. If there is substance, the Commissioner will than write to the person implicated requesting him to go in for an interview. And that process was not followed.
However, the current PPC, Chief Inspector, Ben Neneo, is not aware of any vetting done and if there was time for vetting to take place, but says the police commissioner is aware of these investigations.
