18 Jun 2014

Lawyer confusion delays PNG hearing

1:29 pm on 18 June 2014

There have been further delays to Papua New Guinea police efforts to enact an arrest warrant against the Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill.

Police are seeking to arrest Mr O'Neill over his alleged involvement in illegal payments made to the Paul Paraka law firm.

Mr O'Neill, who has announced a Commission of Inquiry into all allegations surrounding legal fees paid to Paraka Lawyers, is seeking an injunction on the arrest warrant.

This morning at the National Court in Port Moresby two lawyers appeared to represent the police - the inhouse lawyer and a new counsel appointed by the new Police Commissioner, Geoffrey Vaki and the new Attorney General, Ano Pala.

The judge has directed the lawyers to sort just who is representing police and adjourned the case until later this morning.

Meanwhile there are reports that senior police are opposing attempts by Mr Vaki to move into offices at Police National Headquarters.

Mr Vaki was appointed acting commissioner on Monday after the retirement of Tom Kulunga.

Mr Kulunga is appealing his conviction and 7 month jail sentence for contempt of court after he ignored a court directive to re-instate a suspended Mr Vaki.