Greg Sheppard and five others acquitted

The six accused in the alleged misappropriation of K268 million belonging to the Ok Tedi Fly River Development Foundation [OTFRDF] in Western Province were today freed by the National Court.

Justice David Canning acquitted, Boston Kasiman, Edna Oai, Ani Smerewai, Tabitha Malken, Gloria Salika, and Gregory Shepard in his ruling yesterday morning.

Justice Canning handed down this decision after the state prosecutors did not prove with sufficient evidence that the six accused had committed the offence of misappropriation.

Three of the accused are lawyers while the other three are the secretary & directors of Ok Tedi Fly River Development Foundation [OTFRD].

All six were initially charged under section 383 A 1[a] of the criminal code for misappropriation on two different counts, following a complaint launched by North Fly MP James Donald.

After three years in court, Justice Cannings acquitted the six as prosecutors failed to meet all five elements of the offense to secure a verdict.