Former government officer found guilty

A former liaison officer with the Central Provincial Government was found guilty to one count of misappropriation by the Waigani National Court.

He will return to court on May 14 where submissions will be made on his sentence.

Kevin Unobo, 49 years of age from Gebea village, Central Province, was convicted on Friday for dishonestly applying to his own use a Toyota Land Cruiser, the property of the Central Provincial Government.

He was the liaison officer between the Central Provincial Administration and office of the (former) Governor Alphonse Moroi, in purchasing nine vehicles worth K900,000 for Central police to use in security operations for the 2012 General Elections.

Two separate cheques were raised to Ela Motors for the vehicles between 1 and 30 June 2012. However, one of the vehicles was not put to its intended purpose. 

The vehicle was registered under Unobo’s hire car business.

The court found he lied under oath during trial when he said he was attacked at the Ela Motors Waigani showroom, and the vehicle taken.

It was proven by the state beyond reasonable doubt that he dishonestly applied to his own use a Toyota Land Cruiser ten-seater.

Unobo apologised to the court, the Central Provincial Government and his family for his actions.

His lawyers suggested a jail term of between 2-3 years to be imposed while the state said a three-year sentence would be appropriate.

The vehicle is with police however the state of the vehicle is not known.

Two reports, a pre-sentence as well as a means assessment report have been ordered by the court that is returnable on May 14.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton