Vaki goes to court to stop warrant of arrest against Prime Minister O'neill



PNG Police Commisioner Geoffrey Vaki goes to court

to stop PM's arrest warrant

In a new twist to the current political events, Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki today instructed his lawyers to file an application at the district court to discontinue the warrant of arrest issued against the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill on the Paul Paraka saga.

 This follows yesterday’s National Court decision that quashed Mr O’Neill’s bid to stay the same warrant of arrest.

The National Court ruled that it cannot interfere with the functions of police and allowed the Police Commissioner to carry out its duties.

Prominent lawyer Greg Sheppard of Young and William lawyers made submissions on behalf of the police commissioner before Chief Magistrate Nerrie Eliakim.

Mr Sheppard in his submission asked the court to discontinue the court proceedings on the basis that the arrest warrant against the Prime Minister was flawed and in breach of the Arrest Act and the District Court Act.

Mr Sheppard submitted that the warrant was obtained at a premature stage when there were no charges laid against the Prime Minister of an offence.

 He submitted that warrants of arrests are obtained on circumstances where proper charges are laid on a person that committed an offence pursuant to the Arrest Act and the District Court Act.

He therefore asked the court to discontinue the warrant of arrest. The magistrate adjourned the matter to Friday for a ruling.

PNG Today/ Post courier