Waranaka’s case moved

 By CHARLES MOI

FORMER East Sepik governor Peter Wararu Waranaka, who was charged with 20 counts of misappropriation, appeared before magistrate Cosmas Bidar in the Waigani Committal Court yesterday. 

Waranaka, from Karapia village in Yangoru, East Sepik, allegedly consented with others to apply funds totalling more than K7 million for his own use and the use of others between Feb 2 and June 19 last year. 

The police prosecutor moved an application to have the matter transferred to Wewak because of costs and convenience as the state witnesses lived in Wewak. 

Waranaka’s lawyer opposed the prosecution’s application because Waranaka was based in the National Capital District.

Bidar granted the prosecution’s application and transferred the matter to the Wewak District Court where Waranaka will appear on Oct 9 for listing.

“The alleged offences occurred in East Sepik, therefore it comes under the jurisdiction of the Wewak District Court,” Bidar said.