A State Minister and three other Members of Parliament (MPs) are currently involved in criminal cases before the courts.

MP Seule Simeon is awaiting judgment, while Minister John Still is scheduled to stand trial, while MP Jay Ngwele and MP Jesse Luo also have active cases in court.

These cases, each at different stages of the judicial process, mean four MPs from the 14th Legislature are currently before the courts and the outcome could determine their future.

Amongst these cases, the closest to completion is that of MP Seule Simeon. The Epi MP’s trial — related to the alleged theft of a government vehicle — concluded last week. A judgment is expected soon.

For Ambae MP and current State Minister John Stil, his case stems from an assault which he is alleged to have been involved. His trial is scheduled for 28–29 August 2025.

MP Jay Ngwele, also from Ambae Constituency, is facing two separate cases. The first, which involves alleged breaches of the Ombudsman Act and the Leadership Code, will be heard by the Supreme Court on 23 July 2025. The court will decide whether the case will remain at the Supreme Court level or be transferred to the Magistrate’s Court.

Ngwele’s second case, similar to the case involving MP Jesse Luo is still in its early stages at the Magistrate’s Court. The court will sit on 29 July to hear Luo’s case, and on 7 August for Ngwele’s.

In terms of political affiliation:

• Seule Simeon represents Laverewo Party and is affiliated with the Vanua’aku Party (VP).
• John Stil represents the Iauko Group (IG).
• Jay Ngwele is part of the Rural Development Party (RDP) and currently serves as Deputy Opposition Leader.
• Jesse Luo is a member of the Union of Moderate Parties (UMP).

This means two of the four MPs involved are aligned with the Government, while two are from the Opposition.