The owner of research company Niugini Biomed Ltd, Dr Bomai Kerenga, raised concerns in the court about the legitimate complainant in his criminal case.
Defendant Dr. Bomai Kerenga, 50, from Ku village in Sinasina Yongumul District in Chimbu Province was arrested and charged with misappropriation under the Criminal Code Act earlier this year after allegations of misusing K5million from the initial K10million awarded by National Aids Council as COVID fund for research purposes through his company Niugini Biomed Limited.
Lawyer John Napu, who represented the defendant, told the court yesterday the complainant was Dr Arnold Waine, an employee or partner of Dr Bomai, and was not a legitimately aggrieved party in this matter, hence should not be the complainant. Mr Napu told the court that the legitimate complainant should be the National Aids Counsel who made the initial alleged payment to Niugini Biomed Ltd and not Dr. Waine and further alleged that a large sum of the K10million awarded to Biomed Ltd was also given to the complainant who allegedly benefitted from the funding.
Police alleged that during the outbreak of COVID 19 in 2020 the defendant registered his company with IPA, during that time the government was also looking for ways to reduce this disease.
The defendant and the complainant did their research on the existing pharmaceutical drugs then came up with a proposal and presented it to the National Executive Council (NEC) from the proposal about 10 drugs were likely possible to suppress or destroy the virus.
The proposal was approved and a total of K10.2million was allocated to Niugini Biomed Ltd.
Police arrested and charged Dr Bomai after it was alleged that K5million out of the K10million awarded to the defendant’s company for the research of Corona Virus drugs in 2022 was misused by the defendant.
Police alleged that the defendant diverted the K5million to his personal use by hiring cars, law firms, given to other individuals, money creditors and six other services. Magistrate Paul Nii, who heard the application, adjourned the case to 25 September 2025 for further
mention and consideration.