Prosecutor Khamisi Tokunbo on Friday lost his bid to prevent Sri Lankan lawyer Kulandra Ratneser from taking over as Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In closed chambers yesterday, Acting Chief Justice Norma Wade-Miller turned down Mr. Tokunbo's request for an injunction preventing Mr. Ratneser from assuming the top post.

As a result, Mr. Ratneser was sworn in by Governor Sir John Vereker yesterday afternoon and will assume the duties of Acting DPP from today.

Mr. Tokunbo filed a writ against his replacement after fulfilling the role of DPP for three years.

His contract came to an end yesterday, and instead of his contract being automatically renewed, the job was advertised and Mr. Tokunbo was asked to reapply for the post, as the Governor wished to pit him against his peers.

Mr. Tokunbo refused to submit an application for the $127,000-a-year job, and instead filed a writ questioning the constitutionality of the Governor's decision to ask him to apply for the job again.

However, when Mr. Ratneser was announced as the incumbent Acting DPP, while a more permanent candidate was found, Mr. Tokunbo filed a second writ against him taking the position.

Mr. Tokunbo, who is still awaiting the outcome of his first writ, was not available for comment last night.