Wobiro, Gumoi facing fraud charges

 TWO senior provincial government officials facing fraud-related charges involving more than K7 million from the Fly River provincial government’s PSIP (provincial) funds two years ago appeared in the Waigani Committal Court yesterday.

Western Governor Ati Wobiro and his acting provincial administrator Dr Mudowa Gumoi were charged with a total of 12 counts each – four counts of misappropriation, four counts of conspiracy to defraud the provincial government and abuse of office. 

The charges involved four cheques, in monetary value of K7,060,000, and drawn by the Fly Care Foundation (FCF) with intent to defraud the FRPG.

They appeared in court from a police bail of K20,000 each.

Magistrate Mekeo Gauli said the charges were serious and if there was sufficient evidence, the court would commit them in the National Court. 

“The function of the court is to access evidence and decide if the case is to be committed to the National Court or strike out or dismiss the case accordingly,” Gauli said.

He said since allegations on both the co-accused were fresh, the court would adjourn to allow police investigations to continue.

He said court would adjourn the case for a month for investigations to continue and to allow police to collect evidence.

Gauli extended their bail.