BY ROMINAH FAKA
The case involving two police officers who were arrested and charged in relation to the stolen gold ashes was heard in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where both officers pleaded not guilty to bribery charges.
Gravis Afuga and Allen Noni, who were jointly charged with one count of bribery, both pleaded not guilty. Additionally, Allen Noni, who was separately charged with another count of bribery, also pleaded not guilty.
The defense counsel for the two defendants, Donation Houa, and the prosecution, represented by Jeremy Oiofa, requested a seven-day adjournment to finalize the Pre-Trial Conference (PTC). The case will return to court on the next mention date for the oral PTC.
Principal Magistrate Emily Vagibule Pakoa, who presided over the matter, adjourned the case to March 7, 2025, for the oral PTC.
Gravis Afuga and Allen Noni are jointly charged with one count of bribery, contrary to Section 122(a) of the Penal Code, read with Section 21(a) of the Penal Code. Additionally, Allen Noni is separately charged with another count of bribery.
On November 8, 2024, an investigation into the stolen gold ashes was in progress. It is alleged that accused officer Allen Noni contacted the lead investigator from the General Police Station handling the gold case and attempted to bribe him with $10,000 in exchange for leaving out the investigation file of accused Max Gura, who was remanded at the Magistrate’s Court for stealing the gold ashes.
Max Gura and Miriam Keni Sasau were charged with simple larceny, accused of working together with the prime suspect to sell the stolen gold ashes.
On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the lead investigator from the Central Police Station received another call from accused Allen Noni, who arranged for a meeting between the investigator, himself, and officer Afuga at Henderson.
During the meeting, it is alleged that while conversing with the investigator, Noni held onto his bag and attempted to bribe the investigator again with another $20,000 in cash.
The investigator later returned to the Central Police Station and reported the incident to their supervisor. The money was recorded as exhibits, and officers Noni and Afuga were later arrested and charged with bribery.
Jeremy Oiofa from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the case, while Donation Houa from the Public Solicitor’s Office is representing the defendants, Afuga and Noni.
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