Madang candidate arrested over defamatory Facebook post against Madang PPC

A 40-year-old man contesting the Madang Town Mayor’s seat has been arrested and charged under the Cybercrime Code Act for allegedly posting defamatory comments on Facebook against Madang's top cop, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim.

William Ekip Wii Jr, of Kudjip Village in Jiwaka Province, was taken into custody on Thursday, 1 May 2025, after police launched an investigation into a social media comment he made accusing the senior officer of "double standards" and failing to act on a complaint of misappropriation reportedly submitted in October 2024.

Police say the post, made in response to an NBC Online article titled “Madang’s Top Cop Urges Responsible Use of Social Media,” was defamatory and damaged the reputation of the PPC’s office.

Wii Jnr allegedly admitted to making the post out of frustration over the perceived inaction.

He was formally charged and released on a K3,000 police bail.

His constitutional rights under Section 42[2] of the Papua New Guinea Constitution were explained to him.

PPC Baim confirmed the arrest and condemned the use of social media to attack public offices for personal or political gain.

“We are not above criticism, but there is a legal process for filing complaints. Freedom of speech does not grant freedom to defame or mislead the public.” PPC Baim said.

He said the suspect had never lodged any formal complaint through the appropriate police channels and described the online allegation as unjustified.

“My office remains neutral. I don’t play double standards in my role as PPC Madang, and I will not allow anyone to use my name for political point-scoring,” Baim said.

Police are continuing investigations to determine whether the post was politically motivated. The matter is now being handled by the Criminal Investigation Division in Madang.