Conspiracy evidence sufficient

By BEVERLY PETER
FORMER chief migration officer Robert Bara Kennedy with three other co-accused were committed to the National Court for the charge of dishonest application and conspiracy to defraud yesterday.
Magistrate Danny Wakikura, when committing Kennedy, James Kepson, Seeto Kepo and Nigel Diambo at Waigani Committal Court, said the evidence was sufficient to commit them trial.
According to police brief facts, Kepson was charged with conspiracy to defraud and Kepo and Daimbo were charged with dishonesty applying and conspiracy to defraud.
“It is better to defend yourselves and clear those charges in a trial in the National Court,” Magistrate Wakikura said.
Kennedy and the co-accused are expected to give their Section 96 statements on Monday.
Police alleged that between Feb 1 and Feb 21, 2019, Kepson, who was an employee of the Immigration and Citizenship Authority and owner of Nata Works Ltd, consulted Kennedy for a direct payment of K7,150 to his company to buy 10 toners for the office printer.
Police further alleged that upon the conversation, Kennedy, without consulting the higher authorities, signed a memo on Feb 22, 2019, within the office to release the funds to Nata Works. It was also alleged that Kepo and Daimbo played a role in releasing the funds.
The defence submitted on Jan 21 for Kennedy, Kepson, Kepo and Daimbo to be acquainted of the charges on the grounds that the K7,150 that was alleged by the police to have been dishonestly handled was put to the intended use.