Court adjourns K268mil misappropriation case to June 15

By BOURA GORUKILA
THE case of Ok Tedi Fly River Development Foundation Ltd director Edna Oai, facing 15 charges involving the misappropriation of K268 million belonging to the Western province people’s dividend trust (WPPDT) fund, was adjourned by the Waigani Committal Court to June 15.
Magistrate Tracy Ganaii adjourned the case for instructions on her police file and extended Oai’s K3,000 bail with conditions.
Oai, 46, is charged with five counts each of conspiracy, false pretence and misappropriation.
She is alleged to have on Aug 17, 2018, conspired with Ps Steven Bagari, Michael Gen Lam, Jacob Kabogi, Abel Daruko, Sisa Baidam, Bosi Kasiman, Annie Smerewal, Susan Jubi and Greg Sheppard by paying K15 million to Young and Williams Lawyers trust account from WPPDT community mine continuation agreement (CMCA) trust account as legal fees, after a board meeting resolution.
Oai and other board members approved another K21 million as payment for seven CMCA regions on Dec 23, 2019.
The directors also approved on Feb 5, last year, a payment of K190 million from WPPDT trust funds to the Ok Tedi Fly River Development Foundation Ltd last Feb 21 for the payment of family accounts.