THE case of the nine Bougainville men and a local facing immigration charges has been further adjourned to November 12 for plea.
Sylester Motoqo, Vincent Ma’ako, Justin Moiru, Eddie Posena, Joe Nupa, Nigel Tonnaku, Thomas Konnou, Dominic Samo and Tom Ruben from Bougainville were each charged with one count of unlawful presence contrary to section 28 (1) of the Immigration Act, No.3 of 2012.
John Nauva from Shortland Islands was charged with one count of harbouring unlawful non-citizens.
Prosecution alleged the nine accused went to Shortland Island to work as security officers for a logging company there between 4 September 2015 and 24 September 2015.
All accused appeared Thursday in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court and nine of the Bougainville men were further remanded in custody while bail was extended for Nauva.
Prosecution had just served disclosures to the defence counsel during the proceeding.
Private Lawyer Makario Tagini, who represents all accused, told the court the prosecution on the last occasion informed him police are still investigating the matter in relation to the charge of possession of fire-arm.
He questioned whether the charge will be constituted or not.
Principal Magistrate Edwin Saramo told Mr Tagini prosecution can always file an additional charge or amend the charges if they want to lay more charges.
He then adjourned the matter to give time for Mr Tagini to go through the disclosures.
Public Prosecutor Maito’o Hauirae appeared for the State.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
