Land sale lands lawyers in trouble

 By DENNIS ORERE 

TWO Port Moresby-based lawyers attached to a named law firm were arrested and charged on Tuesday for failing to provide relevant files to assist police investigations into a fraudulent sale of a land and property in Port Moresby.  

Lawyers Lionel Manua and Hubert Kikira were taken to police fraud squad office for questioning at around 5pm on Tuesday after a formal complaint was laid by Tom Amaiu.

The lawyers were later taken to the Boroko police station and charges were laid against them.

Amaiu claimed that the lawyers were fraudulently involved in the sale of a land and property and failed to provide police and investigation officers the relevant documents of ownership and sale of the property.

The duo were charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, contrary to section 28 (1) of the Criminal Code Act.

A third lawyer, Kapu Rageau, who was also named, is yet to be arrested and charged.

Police at the Boroko police station confirmed that the two were charged with one count of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, for failing to provide conveyance and corresponding files in relation to the fraudulent sale of land and property described as allotment 17, section 52 at Hohola.

Police are still continuing investigations and the two lawyers are expected to appear at the Waigani District Court this week for mention.