THE Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary confirms the arrest of lawyer Mr. Nathan Kilali in Lae on 16 October 2026 for attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to the case of Buimo Prison escapee Lawrence Simon.
Lawrence Simon was originally charged with the wilful murder of a Unitech student in 2016. While remanded at Buimo Correctional Institution, he escaped custody in 2017 and remained on the run until this year, when he was located in Port Moresby. On 2 October 2026, a Bench Warrant issued by the National Court was executed, and Simon was remanded at Bomana CIS before being escorted back to Lae and detained at Buimo CIS.
Police investigations established that Mr. Kilali sought to obstruct the lawful execution of this Bench Warrant by attempting to prevent police from carrying out the Court’s directive and questioning the authority of the Orders issued by Justice Miviri.
Deputy Commissioner of Police – Special Operations, Donald Yamasombi, said “Officers of the State and the Courts must assist in executing the Orders of the Courts and not try to frustrate or hinder the process. In this case, it is my conviction that the lawyer tried to question the Orders of the Lae National Court for the arrest of his client. Trying to stop the Police in executing the Warrant of Arrest is an abuse. The lawyer should appear before the Judge to present his case. I issued directions for his arrest because I saw he was trying to frustrate the Court process.”
Mr. Kilali was formally charged under CB#368/26 and appeared before the Lae Committal Court where the charges were read and understood. His bail application was adjourned to 20 November 2026, with the Court directing that a proper application be filed.
The Constabulary reiterates that it will not tolerate any attempt to undermine judicial authority or obstruct the enforcement of lawful orders. Police remain committed to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the integrity of the justice system.