Wobiro bail application hearing today

The National Court this morning heard a bail application filed for Western Governor Ati Wobiro, Provincial Administrator Dr Modowa Gumoi, and founder of Fly Care Foundation Inc. Norman Carl May.

The three, represented by their lawyers, Greg Egan and Justin Wohuinangu, appeared before Justice Panuel Mogish this morning where the bail application was moved before a packed courtroom.

The issue of jurisdiction was brought up by the court when Justice Mogish asked Egan, what jurisdiction or powers he had to hear a bail application after conviction. 

The application was filed on Aug 1 under section 10 of the bail act, asking the court for bail after conviction and before sentencing.

Justice Mogish told Wobiro’s lawyers that he has to be satisfied, based on previous cases, that he has the jurisdiction to hear the bail application.

The case of Francis Potape against the state was brought up as one of those previous cases however, the court noted that Potape sought bail from the court after he had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court after his conviction and before sentencing.

Parties will return to court at 1.30pm today and address the court on jurisdiction issues.

On July 26, the National Court found the three guilty to have conspired in establishing the Fly Care Foundation between January 1 and December 30, 2013. They did so by using K7,060,00 funding from the provincial government.

They conspired to misappropriate funds through a memorandum of agreement between Governor Wobiro and May for the Foundation to deliver projects in the province.

(File picture of Waigani National courthouse)

Author: 
Sally Pokiton