The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) on Wednesday, 25th September 2024, welcomed the recent High Court ruling in favour of the University in the matter of SINU v Dennis Habu and Solomon Energy & Logistics Limited (SE&LL), CC 201/22. The judgement sends a powerful message about the importance of safeguarding public assets and ensuring they are not misused.
Mr. Dennis Habu, a former employee of SINU, was found to have unlawfully sold 30 bunk beds and 66 mattresses belonging to the University to a third party without SINU’s consent. The High Court ruled in favour of SINU, ordering Mr. Habu to pay the University the sum of SBD $61,450.00, with interest and costs.
The legal proceedings were initiated after SINU discovered that Mr. Habu had sold the University’s bunk beds and mattresses to SE&LL, the contractors for the Field Hospital at Chinatown. These actions were taken without SINU’s authorisation or knowledge, and the University sought legal recourse to recover damages for the loss of its property.
In the judgement handed down by the High Court, it was established that SE&LL was not an innocent party to the transaction and was aware that the goods sold by Mr. Habu were University property. Despite SE&LL’s claims to be a bona fide purchaser, the Court upheld SINU’s position that they were also liable.
The High Court rejected Mr. Habu’s application for leave to extend time to file his defence to SINU’s claim, and a judgement in favour of SINU was entered.
The ruling is not only a vindication of SINU’s efforts to protect its assets but also reinforces the necessity for strong governance structures within public institutions. The judgement highlights the imperative to ensure accountability, transparency, and the proper management of public property. It serves as a reminder that state assets, which belong to the people of the Solomon Islands, must be managed with integrity and safeguarded from misuse.
Professor Transform Aqorau, Vice Chancellor of SINU, said “While this outcome is both sad and disappointing, it reinforces our duty to protect public assets from abuse. The High Court’s decision is a reminder that state-owned institutions like SINU have a responsibility to the people of this country to manage resources with the utmost care and integrity. This judgement vindicates our actions and sends a clear message that the mismanagement or unauthorised use of public assets will not be tolerated.”
The University looks forward to closing this chapter and will continue its efforts to ensure all resources are used in the best interests of the public and in the pursuit of its mission to provide quality education to the people of the Solomon Islands.
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-SINU Press Release
