Steven Numbos

The defendant, suspended police officer Steven Numbos of East Sepik Province, returned to the Waigani Committal Court today for a brief mention of his case.

His case was further adjourned to April 4 after police prosecution gave an update to the court on the progress of the case.

The 44-year-old was formally arrested and charged with wilful murder on Dec 30, 2016.

Police allege Numbos shot a man, known to the court as Ija Mulugu, using a high-powered rifle on July 22, 2016.

Numbos and his lawyer sought bail before Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika on the wilful murder charge which was laid on him on Dec 30, 2016. This charge relates to the alleged shooting of a buai smuggler at the Erima Wildlife settlement on July 22, 2016, after a pursuit by police. 

Sir Gibbs allowed bail for the accused because he was of the view that the investigating officer took a “lengthy period” of seven months to investigate the offence and lay a charge.