Somare went to PNG’s National Court in a bid to halt a probe by the Ombudsman’s Commission. But Justice Derek Hartshorn dismissed his bid for an injunction.
His lawyers had argued that some of the matters dated back 20 years, and would be impossible to defend given the amount of time that had lapsed.
But Justice Hartshorn disagreed, saying Somare had failed to present a strong enough argument to warrant a permanent injunction.
Outside the court, the prime minister’s lawyers said they would appeal the decision. The Ombudsman’s investigation will remain frozen until all legal proceedings are finalized.
During hearings on the matter, the court was told Somare had failed to lodge information about his assets, income and business connections, and that he filed late or incompletely.
But his lawyers said there were legitimate reasons why some information may have been offered late or incomplete, and said the allegations were too old to be valid.
They said Somare moved house a number of times during the period in question, held different political positions, and personal staff responsible for the information had left his office. The motive behind the inquiry was also raised by the prime minister’s lawyers.
Outside the proceedings, questions have also been raised about why the Ombudsman’s Commission took so long to launch its probe.
Chief Ombudsman Ila Geno, who launched the investigation, is due to retire this month.
