The ICAC case against former Kandep MP Don Polye collapsed in the Waigani District Court yesterday after a magistrate found there was insufficient evidence to support any of the allegations brought against him.
Senior Magistrate Paul Puri Nii dismissed all charges laid by the Independent Commission Against Corruption, ruling that the evidence presented failed to establish a sufficient basis for Polye to be committed to stand trial before a higher court.
The decision effectively brings to an end criminal proceedings that accused the former parliamentarian of attempting to pervert the course of justice, conspiring to defeat justice, and official corruption.
With the assistance of top criminal lawyer, Edward Sasingian, Polye walked out of the courtroom smiling.
The court examined whether the prosecution had presented enough credible and reliable evidence to justify a trial and after reviewing the case files and materials tendered by investigators, Magistrate Nii concluded that the evidence fell short of the legal threshold required for committal.
The court found that the prosecution had not produced direct and reliable evidence capable of substantiating the charges. It also noted the absence of sufficient corroborative material linking Polye to the alleged offences.
The ruling means the court was not satisfied that a properly instructed tribunal could reasonably convict based on the evidence presented.
The charges had attracted public interest due to Polye’s prominence in national politics and his long career in public service. However, the magistrate stressed that allegations alone were not enough and that criminal charges must be supported by credible evidence before a defendant can be ordered to stand trial.
The decision highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the need for prosecuting agencies to meet evidentiary requirements before bringing serious corruption related matters before the courts.
The Ombudsman Commission has escalated its pursuit of Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika by referring the matter directly to the National Executive Council despite the Acting Public Prosecutor dismissing all allegations against him for lack of evidence.
Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen confirmed the move after the Commission invoked constitutional powers allowing it to proceed independently where it believes a matter has not been properly referred for prosecution.
The latest development follows Acting Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona’s decision to drop all 50 misconduct allegations against Sir Gibbs after finding insufficient evidence to refer him to a leadership tribunal.
In a statement outlining its reasons, the Ombudsman Commission said it had “considered the matter and decided in its deliberate judgment” under Section 29(2) of the Constitution and Section 27(3) of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership to refer the case directly to the NEC for the appointment of a tribunal.
The Commission argued that under the law it has authority to step in if the Public Prosecutor “fails to prosecute the matter within a reasonable period” or if the Commission believes the matter “has not been properly referred to the appropriate tribunal.”
It said the NEC, chaired by the Prime Minister, has constitutional responsibility to determine whether allegations against the Chief Justice warrant investigation by a tribunal.
Citing the Supreme Court Reference No. 3 of 2005, the Commission said the Constitution provides distinct grounds for the removal of law officers, including misconduct in office under the Leadership Code.
The statement further noted that Section 179 of the Constitution empowers the NEC to appoint a tribunal if it is “satisfied that the question of removal from office of the Chief Justice should be investigated.”
The Commission maintained that questions surrounding the referral process remained unresolved and informed Sir Gibbs of its decision to invoke its constitutional powers.
The referral to the Chairman of the National Executive Council was formally delivered yesterday morning, setting the stage for the NEC to decide whether a tribunal should be established to investigate the allegations against the country’s top judge.
Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika has been cleared of 50 misconduct allegations after the Office of the Public Prosecutor declared there was insufficient evidence to refer him to a Leadership Tribunal.
Acting Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona announced the decision at a press conference this afternoon, bringing an end to months of scrutiny following a referral by the Ombudsman Commission.
Ms Roalakona said investigators closely examined the allegations, including claims relating to money received by the Chief Justice, but found the funds were derived from legitimate income sources that had already been declared in his annual statements.
She said the evidence presented by the Ombudsman Commission did not meet the threshold required for a tribunal referral.
The decision means Sir Gibbs will not face further leadership proceedings over the allegations.
The Office of the Public Prosecutor said its assessment was based strictly on the evidence available and the requirements of the law.
The National Court has refused an application by the Ok Tedi Fly River Development Foundation Limited to revoke restraining orders freezing more than K214 million held in three bank accounts amid allegations of misappropriation and dealings involving suspected criminal property.
In a recent decision delivered in Waigani, Justice Susan Berrigan ruled there were reasonable grounds to suspect the funds were linked to offences under the Criminal Code, including misappropriation and dealing with property reasonably suspected of being criminal property.
The case arose from an application by the Acting Public Prosecutor under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2022 seeking to preserve funds held in Credit Bank and Westpac accounts operated by the foundation. The restrained sums included K8.8 million, K15.5 million and nearly K190 million.
The court heard that the funds originated from the Western Province Community Mine Continuation Agreement dividend trust account established to hold Ok Tedi Mining dividends for the benefit of Western Province communities.
Justice Berrigan said investigations revealed large sums were transferred between various accounts without evidence of ministerial approval or compliance with trust conditions requiring the money to fund development projects.
“At the time of the application I was satisfied that there were reasonable grounds to suspect that the monies held in each of the three bank accounts identified above were instruments of the offence of misappropriation,” Justice Berrigan said.
The foundation argued the money lawfully belonged to it following National Court orders in 2018 appointing its trustee of the funds. It also relied on a 2024 criminal case in which several defendants were acquitted over related allegations.
However, Justice Berrigan ruled the earlier criminal decision was not binding in the proceeds of crime proceedings.
“The POCA specifically empowers the Public Prosecutor to bring proceedings seeking confiscation of tainted property both related to and separate from any criminal proceedings,” she said.
The judge also criticised the way millions of kina were moved through multiple accounts and withdrawn through cash transactions, directors’ fees, consultancy payments and allowances.
“In a little over a year, between January 2025 and January 2026, more than K10 million of the balance of the ANZ Trust Account was spent from three different accounts,” the judge observed.
Justice Berrigan further found there was an obvious drafting error in Section 57 of the Proceeds of Crime Act and interpreted the law to ensure the restraining orders remained valid while confiscation proceedings were before the court.
She said courts should use “good sense to remedy the situation” where legislation produces absurd results.
The court ultimately dismissed the foundation’s application, ruling the restraining orders had not lapsed and should remain in force pending further proceedings.
Police have arrested and charged a former employee of a finance company over a coordinated internal fraud scheme that is alleged to have stolen close to K2.1 million through forged invoices, inflated quotations and collusion with accomplices.
“The National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate investigated and charged a 36-year-old former Assistant Property Manager,” Commissioner of Police, David Manning said.
“Police allege that he conspired with co-workers between January 2025 and January 2026 to create fake supplier invoices and redirect corporate payments into bank accounts controlled by the group.
“A major component of the fraud involved a separate company. which had submitted genuine invoices. Investigators established that the suspect and his accomplices generated inflated payments being paid into accounts they nominated.”
The suspect was brought to the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate (NFACD) in March, interviewed, and admitted to the offences. He was formally charged with:
e One count of Misappropriation (Section 383A, Criminal Code Act): and, « One count of Conspiracy to Defraud (Section 407, Cnminal Code Act). The suspect was refused police bail and is currently detained at Boroko Police Station.
Commissioner Manning said the arrest demonstrates the Constabulary’s commitment to protecting businesses from organised white-collar crime.
“This case highlights the increasing prevalence of internal fraud schemes targeting corporate entities. The Constabulary acted swiftly, and we will continue to pursue every individual involved in this conspiracy,” Manning said.
The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, yesterday welcomed New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers to Police Headquarters in Port Moresby, marking the first official visit by a New Zealand Police Commissioner to PHQ — a milestone moment in the policing partnership between the two nations. Commissioner Manning said the visit reflects the deep and longstanding cooperation between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, particularly in support of the Bougainville Police Service, where both countries continue to work together to strengthen policing capability, leadership, and community safety. During the meeting, the two Commissioners held highlevel discussions on some of the most pressing security challenges facing the Pacific region, including organised crime, illegal drugs, and online child sexual abuse. Both Commissioners acknowledged that these threats are increasingly sophisticated, transnational, and harmful to vulnerable communities across the region. Commissioner Manning said the Constabulary and its regional partners must move decisively and collaboratively. “Our region is facing serious and evolving criminal threats. Strengthening our partnerships, sharing intelligence, and building the capabilities of Pacific police forces is essential to protecting our people and safeguarding our future.” The Commissioners agreed to enhance intelligence sharing, deepen operational cooperation, and expand joint efforts to combat serious crimes, organised criminal networks, and the trafficking of illegal drugs. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting children by improving investigative capacity and crossborder collaboration to tackle online child sexual abuse. The Commissioners discussed the importance of effective law enforcement cooperation and examined opportunities for enhanced regional police cooperation during major events, including planning and logistics support for the 2027 National Elections. Commissioner Manning said the visit reinforces the unity and shared purpose of Pacific policing. “New Zealand has been a steadfast partner to PNG. Commissioner Chambers’ visit signals our collective determination to confront crime together and ensure a safer, more secure Pacific for all.”
In the last few years, Papua New Guineans were told that the former head of the Finance Department, Steven Gibson, had passed on- deceased.
Even the courts accepted his passing despite minimal prove.
But now, a recent photograph that surfaced is raising troubling questions.
A man almost resembles Mr Gibson with other family members at his daughter’s graduation on November 17, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia
An image has emerged showing a man strikingly resembling Mr Gibson attending his daughter’s graduation at the University of Melbourne on November 17, 2025, just four months ago.
A closure look surely resembles Mr Gibson.
The photograph, unintentionally leaked on a LinkedIn page Chauka Ya, has reignited long-standing rumours that the former Finance Secretary may in fact still be alive.
Copy of the LinkedIn page where the photograph was published.
The doubts are not new. Despite Mr Gibson’s stature as a senior public servant who once controlled the nation’s purse, there has never been a public death notice, funeral announcement, condolence statement, or official record readily accessible confirming his passing.
Even a simple Google search yields no obituary, no media report of a burial, and no formal confirmation from authorities. For someone of his profile, such silence has always been unusual.
An election Poster of Steven Gibson when he contested the Manus Open in 2017.
The only widely cited reference to his alleged death came during the prosecution of Jacob Yafai. In that trial, senior prosecutor Linda Maru told the court while basing on an affidavit of a police officer, that Mr Gibson had died sometime back in his home province on Manus Island.
The information was disputed by the defense lawyer, saying there was no evidence to proof Mr Gibson’s death. However, Mrs Maru also stated that she had personal knowledge of Mr Gibson’s death because she was also from Manus.
However, no evidence including death certificate was formally produced in court to support the claim. Nonetheless, the court proceeded on the basis that Mr Gibson had died. That development had significant consequences. At the time controversial payments were made to Paraka Lawyers, Mr Yafai served as Deputy Secretary for Finance (Operations), while Mr Gibson was Secretary for Finance, the overall head of the department. Had Mr Gibson been alive, he would almost certainly have been called in as a State witness to faced scrutiny and possible prosecution alongside his subordinate. Instead, with the court nothing that he was dead, the spotlight fell squarely on Mr Yafai, who was subsequently convicted and jailed for failing to properly verify substantial public funds paid out as legal claims. Now, the resurfaced photograph threatens to upend that settled history.
The striking resemblance
Observers point to the strong resemblance between the man in the graduation photo and Mr Gibson’s earlier public images, including an election campaign poster from when he once contested national elections back in 2017. The facial features, his built and overall appearance appear consistent, prompting speculation that he may have deliberately remained out of public view to avoid prosecution over alleged misappropriation of millions of kina during his tenure. If the man in the photograph is indeed Steven Gibson, it would raise profound legal and constitutional questions. It would mean that a court accepted testimony of his death without documentary proof, and that a key figure in one of the country’s most controversial financial scandals was never brought to account. At this stage, the matter remains unverified. A photograph alone does not constitute proof of life. However, the renewed public interest demands clarity. It is now up to the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate and establish the truth: Is Steven Gibson alive? If he is, then the rule of law requires that he be brought before the courts to answer for decisions made during his time as Finance Secretary. If he is not, then official documentation should be made public to put the rumours to rest once and for all. Until then, the questions will only grow louder.
The Waigani District Court has delivered a precedent-setting ruling affirming its authority to vary bail conditions, including granting permission for overseas travel, despite objections from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
In dismissing ICAC’s challenge, Magistrate Paul Puri Nii ruled that the District Court retains jurisdiction to amend bail conditions where it was the court that originally granted bail.
The decision arose from an application by former Kandep MP Don Pomb Polye, represented by lawyer Edward Sasingian of Sasingian Lawyers, who sought approval to travel overseas for educational and medical reasons ahead of his next court appearance.
ICAC argued that under Section 23 of the Bail Act, only the National Court could authorize overseas travel. However, Magistrate Nii rejected this interpretation, describing the objection as “misconceived.”
He held that the word “may” in Section 23 is permissive rather than mandatory, meaning it offers an option to apply to higher courts but does not remove the District Court’s powers. The magistrate further relied on Section 20 of the Bail Act, which allows bail variations to be heard by a court not lower than the one that granted bail.
The court subsequently approved Polye’s overseas travel, on condition that he returns to Papua New Guinea by February 16, 2026.
The ruling is expected to guide future bail variation applications and reinforce the authority of District Courts under the Bail Act.
National airliner, Air Niugini, is grappling with an overwhelming surge in Christmas travel, forcing the closure of bookings on several popular routes as its limited fleet struggles to keep up with unprecedented demand.
In a public notice issued earlier today, the airline confirmed that ticket sales to some destinations have been closed after all available seats on scheduled aircraft were fully booked. With Christmas traditionally the busiest travel period of the year, Air Niugini says many flights are selling out well in advance, leaving would-be passengers with no option but to book for later dates.
The airline has appealed to customers to avoid turning up at airports without confirmed tickets for their intended travel dates, warning that congestion at terminals only worsens delays and frustrations during the peak period. Air Niugini has also stressed that tickets cannot be changed at the airport under any circumstances.
Passengers wishing to make new bookings, change existing tickets or seek assistance are instead encouraged to visit Air Niugini sales offices, use accredited travel agents, contact the airline’s telephone sales desk, or book online.
Behind the disruptions lies a familiar challenge: soaring festive-season demand colliding with a constrained fleet. As thousands of Papua New Guineans attempt to return home to reunite with families, the airline says it is doing everything possible to move as many passengers as it can safely and efficiently.
Air Niugini has urged travelers to remain patient and respectful, reminding the public that abusive behaviour toward airline and airport staff will not be tolerated. Security personnel, the airline noted, are on standby to ensure the safety of staff and passengers alike.
“Christmas is the busiest time of the year for Air Niugini, and we ask for your understanding as we work through these challenges,” the management stated.
Despite the frustrations, the airline has extended its best wishes to customers, expressing hope that the festive spirit will prevail as Papua New Guineans make their journeys home for Christmas.
A distraught father in Port Moresby wants urgent intervention from authorities after his teenage daughter became the latest victim of a disturbing wave of cyberbullying sweeping the country.
Kasis Inape, a concerned parent from the National Capital District, says he turned up at the Cyber Crime Office at 7-Mile Police Station yesterday morning to file a formal complaint—only to discover the stark reality facing law enforcement.
“I went to lodge my complaint, but the officer in charge told me cybercrime is on the rise and they simply don’t have the manpower or technical capacity to deal with the surge. Cybercrimes respect no one. Every one of us is vulnerable,” Inape said via his Facebook post.
According to Inape, his daughter attended her niece’s graduation ceremony at Sir John Guise Stadium last week when an unknown photographer snapped her picture without consent. The photo was later cropped, reposted online, and began circulating widely. The situation escalated when another individual allegedly edited the image to make it appear explicit—an act the father describes as “devastating and humiliating.”
“I am a disciplined parent. I don’t tolerate such behaviour for my daughters,” he said. “Someone took advantage of her image and violated her dignity. How can I track the person responsible and pursue justice under the Cyber Crimes Act?”
Inape said the officer he spoke to stressed that cyber-related offenses are occurring daily, yet the country still lacks a fully equipped unit to fight them. He is now calling on the Government to urgently establish a properly resourced cybercrime division, complete with trained personnel and modern digital investigative tools.
He believes Papua New Guinea can learn from partner countries like Australia through the existing AFP–PNG Police partnership, saying such cooperation could help build a robust and effective cybercrime enforcement framework.
“These crimes are growing faster than our ability to respond,” Inape warned. “Families like mine are being left helpless. We need a functional system—not tomorrow, but today.”
As the viral post continues to circulate, the father vows not to give up until justice is served and proper protections are put in place for all citizens, especially young women increasingly targeted online.
