Judge warns of bench warrant for Badu

NATIONAL Economic and Fiscal Commission chairman Nao Badu has been given a one-week notice to appear before the Waigani Committal Court next Monday or be rounded up and locked up.
Magistrate Sinclair Gora said this last Thursday after Badu and his lawyer failed to appear before him to answer charges of seven counts of official corruption and misappropriation.
Mr Gora said it was becoming common for high-profile defendants to evade appearing in court once bail had been granted in the hope that their lawyers would stand in for them.
“This practice should be avoided,” he said.
“It is rather disappointing to see that both defendant and his counsel are not here, considering the nature of the charge.
“If the accused does not turn up for the next hearing, I will not hesitate to issue a warrant of arrest.”
Badu had been charged with official corruption and misappropriation but is currently on a K1,000 bail.
Badu has been charged with using his position to engage his executive secretary’s stationery company and his own family company to supply stationery and do maintenance for the commission.
The case was adjourned to Dec 21.