Prime Minister to give evidence today

The National Court's trial into the criminal charges against former deputy secretary of the Department of Finance Jacob Yafai regarding Illegal payments totaling over K41 million to Paul Paraka Lawyers has started today.

Jacob Yafai is charged with five counts of dishonestly applying funds under Section 7 Subsection 1c of the Criminal Code Act.

Yafai has pleaded not guilty on all five counts.

Police allege Yafai committed the offence between 2011 and 2012 through Illegal payments to Paul Paraka Lawyers without getting clearance from the Department of Justice and Attorney General.

A total of 23 witnesses, including Prime Minister James Marape are expected to appear to give evidence.

Prime Minister James Marape who was the then Finance Minister in 2011 and 2012 is expected to give evidence for the State today.