In a major anti-corruption ruling, the Waigani National Court has sentenced former Deputy Secretary for Finance, Jacob Yafai, to 22 years in prison with hard labor for the misappropriation of K41.8 million in public funds.
The sentence, handed down by Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, marks one of the most significant convictions of a high-ranking public official in recent years. Yafai was found guilty of four counts of misappropriation and one count of abuse of office over payments made to Paul Paraka Lawyers, a law firm previously embroiled in multiple state fund controversies.
Under the ruling, Yafai will serve 20 years for each count of misappropriation and two years for abuse of office. The sentences will run concurrently, resulting in a total of 22 years imprisonment at Bomana Prison, where he will also perform hard labor.
The State prosecution, led by Linda Maru, had initially sought a 42-year sentence, arguing that Yafai’s actions had caused enormous financial harm to the people of Papua New Guinea. “A strong message must be sent to deter others in public office from abusing their positions of trust,” Maru told the court.
Yafai’s defense counsel, Edward Sasingian, had appealed for leniency, requesting a suspended sentence on the grounds of Yafai’s prior service and cooperation during proceedings. However, Chief Justice Salika rejected the request, ruling that the gravity of the offense and the breach of public trust made suspension inappropriate.
“The misuse of public funds undermines the integrity of government institutions and the confidence of our citizens,” Sir Gibbs stated in court. “Public office is a position of trust, and those who betray that trust must face the full consequences of the law.”
Following the sentencing, Sasingian confirmed that an appeal will be filed at the Supreme Court, signaling that the legal battle may not be over.
The verdict has been widely welcomed by civil society advocates as a step forward in the fight against corruption in Papua New Guinea, a nation where public sector accountability has long been a matter of concern.
For now, Jacob Yafai’s conviction stands as a reminder that no one — regardless of position — is above the law.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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