Court wants Met Supt Ikumu to explain bail

THE National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Gideon Ikumu must appear in court on Monday to explain why bail was granted to a man charged with sexually assaulting a minor.
Magistrate Paul Nii made the order at the Waigani committal court yesterday in the matter of Lucas Kepson, 57, of Kanamanda village, Wapenamanda, Enga.
Kepson is alleged to have sexually assaulted a seven-year-old girl last Oct 22, at Gerehu Stage 6.
On Wednesday, Magistrate Nii summoned Ikumu to appear in court to explain why bail was granted to Kepson.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Joseph Sangam said Ikumu was out of the province and he did not know when he would be back.
Sangam explained that Kepson had allegedly escaped from custody, was pursued and taken back. He was then charged with escaping from lawful custody, but was granted bail.
Sangam noted that the second charge against Kepson was pending determination at the Boroko District Court.
Sangam was asked why Kepson had been granted bail in the first place when he had two charges against him.
Kepson told the court that the second charge of escaping unlawful custody had been dropped and he was told by police officers to settle the matter out of court.
Sangam said whoever authorised for mediation outside of court for offences involving a minor had no power to do that.
Magistrate Nii said in order for the matter to proceed, Ikumu had to appear in court and explain why bail was granted and whether the second charge was dropped.