Former Department of Works and Implementation Secretary Joel Luma has appeared in court over misappropriation, Abuse of office and Official Corruption charges.
The 61 year old from Avatip village in Ambunti, East Sepik province went before the Waigani Committal Court today following his arrest on 12 February.
He is facing allegations he misappropriated over K9 million between 27 July 2009 and 13 February 2013.
He briefly appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate, Dessie Magaru who read and explained his charges before adjourning the case to next month.
Police will have the next three months to carry out investigations and produce a hand-up brief in court.
Luma denied the charges in court saying the allegations took place after he left the office as secretary.
The court advised him to allow police to carry out their investigations since the matter is now before court, who will decide if he has a case to answer to.
Luma was arrested on allegations he dishonestly applied to the use of another person, Anne Marins Kopuma, who was trading as Road Sta Limited the sum of K9, 594, 806.79, the property of the state.
He is also said to have abused the authority of his office by directing the Assistance Secretary for Finance and Budget, Margaret Malala on a letter dated 11 August 2011 to pay Road Sta Limited the sum of K9, 594, 806.79 for the procumbent Quality Pavement Repairs.
It is further alleged that while Luma was the secretary he corruptly obtained the said amount between 27 July 2009 and 13 February 2013 in the discharge of the duties of his office, for the benefit of Anne Marins Kopuma, who was trading as Road Sta Limited.
Police allege there were a two separate procurement claims put forward. The first consisted of 19 claims and the second had 21 all totaling to K9, 594, 806.79.
All these are allegations at this stage and police will continue with their investigations.
Luma is out on K3000 police bail.