Former UNRE VC rearrested and charged

Former vice chancellor of the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) has been rearrested and charged with abuse of office.

Philip Siaguru has been slapped with 12 counts of abuse of office under Section 92 subsection one of the Criminal Code Act.

Mr Siaguru, 56, is from Kwapun village in East Sepik Province.

East New Britain provincial police commander Joseph Tabali said Dr Siaguru’s case was reopened after the complainant came back from abroad.

The case was discharged last year when the complainant could not provide his statement as he was away overseas.

According to UNRE internal investigations, Dr Siaguru was questioned on a series of allegations that were leveled against him.

Mr Tabali said these allegations include transactions of certain contracts awarded not according to procurement processes by the UNRE tenders committee.

He said the incidents occurred between 2009 and 2014.

It was alleged that in his capacity as the vice chancellor, he convened and chaired UNRE tenders board and disturbed the procurement process.

According to investigations, findings accumulated to instances of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds and properties.

Mr Tabali said he was charged with 12 counts of abuse of office last Friday, and was later released on a K5000 bail.