18 Oct 2023

Police search Vanuatu MP's properties

1:23 pm on 18 October 2023
Police investigated three properties but Ambae MP Jay Ngwele said only two of those properties are registered in his name.

Police investigated three properties but Ambae MP Jay Ngwele said only two of those properties are registered in his name. Photo: Hilaire Bule

A Vanuatu MP whose properties were searched by police on Tuesday has said he welcomed the execution of the search warrants.

Police investigated three properties but Ambae MP Jay Ngwele said only two of those properties are registered in his name.

Ngwele is accused, while he was minister in the Bob Loughman administration, of misappropriating over one million vatu, or more than $US8,700 dollars intended for road construction on Ambae.

To date no roads have been built.

Ngwele said he welcomed the searches, saying nobody was above the law.

"I welcome everything. As an MP and as a leader, I believe that justice has to take its course. No one is above the law," Ngwele said.

He expressed his understanding that the police obtained the search warrant from the court and he hopes the procedure to carry out the warrant has followed the correct and respectful process.

Ngwele has also raised concerned that police had taken his private property that he says has nothing to do with the the allegations.

Jay Ngwele

Jay Ngwele Photo: Hilaire Bule