BY ROMINAH FAKA
A No Case to Answer (NCTA) submission from defence on a police officer accused of bribery in connection with a separate case involving stolen gold ashes was heard in the Magistrate Court on Friday, July 18, 2025.
The defence counsel submitted NCTA submissions that there is no case to answer, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient evidence during the trial to support the charge.
Following the submission, the court adjourned the matter to August 1, 2025 for ruling on the NCTA.
The court also directed the prosecution who failed to appear in court to file a written response to the NCTA submission by Tuesday next week, July 22.
Allen Noni faces two counts of bribery, contrary to section 122 (a) of the Penal Code. He pleaded not guilty.
The trial commenced June 30, 2025 before Principal Magistrate Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa.
Prosecution called three witnesses.
Prosecution alleged that on November 8, 2024 at 3.32pm, the defendant sent a text message to the complainant, stating that he wanted to meet in person. They later met at around 7.30pm at the Town Ground area, Honiara where Noni allegedly gave $10,000 to the complainant.
On November 12, 2024 the defendant and the complainant met again at Henderson area, where Noni allegedly bribed the complainant with another $20,000.
The total sum of $30,000 was allegedly given to the complainant by Noni to prevent the lead investigator from investigating an accused in another case involving stolen gold ashes.
Jeremy Oiofa from the Office of Director of Public Prosecution acts for the crown and Donation Houa from PSO is representing Noni.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
