Minister for State to appear next month over misappropriation charges

MINISTER for State Philemon Embel, facing a misappropriation charge, appeared in court yesterday, The National reports.

Police prosecutors told the court the Nipa-Kutubu MP was served his police file, which had been completed.

Embel, who appeared in person for his mention, was given until next month to respond to the allegation and serve his reply to prosecution before his next appearance next month.

Prosecutors said yesterday that Embel would need a legal counsel, in the event that the matter was committed to trial at the National Court.

He was arrested in January after being charged under section 38(3) A (1) (a), Chapter 256 of the  Criminal Code Act.

It is alleged that he misappropriated K165, 000 meant for a church in March 2006.

Police arrested Embel based on a complaint lodged by Southern Highlands provincial administrator William Powi.

Embel has appeared twice for mention at the Waigani Committal Court, but both times it was adjourned to give time for police to complete the files.