Joel Luma

Luma appears in court

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.

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Former Works secretary arrested

Joel Luma, aged 61 of Avatip village, Ambunti, East Sepik Province, was arrested and charged by fraud detectives early this month in the nation’s capital.

The National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate (NFACD) charged Luma with:

  • Two counts of abuse of office
  • One count of official corruption and,
  • One count of misappropriation of funds totalling K9,594,860.79, the property of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Luma, who is now self-employed, committed the offence whilst in office, reports the NFACD.