Duban’s case transferred

FORMER Madang MP Nixon Duban’s case was transferred to the Madang District Court yesterday for submissions after a court upheld a request by a police prosecutor.
Waigani Committal Court Magistrate Tracy Ganaii ruled that the case be transferred after Police Prosecutor Sgt John Wamugl made a verbal application for the transfer on the grounds that “two other accomplices were arrested and charged and their matters are heard in Madang”.
“The presiding magistrate (in Madang) requested if this matter could be transferred to Madang for him to hear all the cases together,” he said.
“We have no objection to this, the offence was (allegedly) committed in Madang.”
Duban’s lawyer Edward Sasingian opposed the application, saying that in the interest of justice the matter should continue as it was and they be given time to file submissions on sufficiency of evidence.
Duban is defending himself against charges of misappropriation (three counts) and conspiracy.
His bail was extended.