Chief National Statistician, Roko Koloma, is facing arrest by Police on official corruption allegations after the Waigani Committal Court refused and dismissed three motions relating to allegations he is facing.
The refusal of the motions now leaves members of the Royal PNG Constabulary in the clear to effect the arrest warrant they obtained from the Waigani District Court on April 13 on Koloma.
His lawyer on April 4 and 30 obtained an interim stay against his arrest pending the hearing of these motions.
Magistrate Cosmas Bidar this morning gave his ruling on three motions, dismissing them.
The first motions was seeking to quash the warrant of arrest that was obtained by police from the Waigani District Court on 13 April, on the ground it was obtained without probable cause.
In the alternative, Koloma was seeking the warrant of arrest obtained to be stayed until further deliberation of another application, filed by the detectives involved.
He also sought for members of the RPNGC to be restrained from executing the arrest warrant on him.
Bidar refused this motion because Koloma’s lawyer did not satisfy the court with materials to support the contention.
“Court is not satisfied there are reasonable grounds to either dissolve, quash or set aside the warrant of arrest.
”Police are entitled to apply for warrant of arrest, as part of their investigation process on a complaint of abuse and application of public monies.
“No even this court has any powers to stop, prevent or permanently restrain police from carrying out its constitutional duties that is to investigate parties and prosecute offenders.
“Police are entitled to carry out their constitutional duty, required of them under section 197 of the constitution,” Bidar said.
The second motion asked the court to charge detective Constable Richard Koipa of CID General Squad Boroko Police station and four employees of the National Statistic Office for contempt of court.
The court ruled the appropriate court proceedings to institute would be in the National court for such.
The final motion seeking refusal of legal representation to the Police investigation officers was also refused.
Koloma’s lawyer indicated appealing against the Court’s ruling today.
A stay order was also obtained from the Port Moresby District Court through a civil proceeding against the Police investigating officers from arresting Koloma.
However police and their lawyer said that order only applies to the specific officers named and not other members of the Royal PNG Constabulary.
NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Perou N’dranou confirmed with this newsroom that no arrests have been made as yet.