PNG Western Province Governor arrested over K7m allegations

Western Province Governor Ati Wobiro has been arrested and charged with the alleged misappropriation of K7 million.

Criminal Investigation Division Director Peter Guinness said that Wobiro, 55, of Wipim village in South Fly, was arrested today and charged at the Boroko Police Station.

He is currently detained at the holding cells awaiting bail.

A bail fee of K20,000 has been imposed.

He was charged with a total of 12 offences: four for abuse of office, four of conspiracy to defraud and four of misappropriation of public funds totalling K7 million. On January 22, a Norman May of Fly Care Foundation was charged with similar offences, a police statement a short time ago revealed.

An initial alleged misappropriation charge of K1 million was struck out by the District Court mid last year after the police failed to prosecute the matter on time.

Wobiro and Provincial Administrator, Dr Modowa Gumoi, were both arrested and charged with the alleged offence but then cleared by Magistrate Cosmas Bider.

Source: PNGLOOP