Yasause denied bail, transferred to Bomana

By JACOB POK

Dr Theo Yasause...now remanded in custody at Bomana jail

FORMER executive director of the office of climate change, Dr Theo Yasause, appeared briefly before the Waigani Committal Court yesterday charged with the wilful murder of former PNG rugby league star and junior rugby league development officer, Aquila Emil, The National reports.
Yasause appeared exhausted and was taken to the court house from police custody where he had been detained the previous night after he was charged and denied bail.
Yasause, 43, from Bukinera village in East Sepik’s West Yangoru, was charged with wilful murder under section 299(1) of the Criminal Code Act.
He appeared without a lawyer before magistrate Rosi Johnson, who, after reading the charges, adjourned the matter to March 8 for further hearing, allowing Yasause to make bail applications at the National Court pending the next appearance.
Yasause had denied shooting Emil at close range outside a nightclub in NCD last Friday.
NCD-Central Assistant Commissioner of Police Fred Sheekiot said during interview, Yasause denied shooting Emil and further denied being in possession of a firearm on the morning of Friday, Feb 4.
Despite his denial, police detectives arrested and charged Yasause based on their own investigations and evidence, Sheekiot said.
“The suspect is formally arrested and charged with the wilful murder of Emil and will appear for mention in court today (yesterday),” Sheekiot said.
According to Sheekiot, police were also considering another charge against Yasause for “being in possession of an illegal firearm” once all investigations were completed.
While exiting the courtroom yesterday, the doctorate holder was caught by surprise by waiting media personnel who flashed their cameras while he tried to cover his face using his hat to avoid the cameras.
He was escorted by a police prosecutor to a waiting police vehicle and was taken away.
A police report tendered in court by prosecutor Judith Tom reconstructed the scene of the killing last Friday morning.
Emil was shot with a handgun as he got out of his car near the National AIDS Council office in front of one other person. A taxi driver transported Emil’s body to the hospital.
Emil was pronounced death on arrival at the Port Moresby General Hospital.
The murder weapon was not produced.