Fugitive posed as a rugby player arrested in Bougainville

Bougainville Police have arrested a wanted fugitive from East New Britain who attempted to slip into the region under the guise of a rugby player.

Suspect Akuila Hosea, was taken into custody at the Buka Wharf this morning, after stepping off the MV Sir Henry Chow.

Hosea is wanted for questioning in connection with a series of murder and armed robbery cases in Kokopo.

Police say Hosea posed as a participant in the Agmark Perpetual Rugby 9’s Tournament to avoid detection.

Acting Superintendent Regional Operations, Chief Inspector Januarius Vosivai, says the arrest was made possible through strong intelligence sharing between police commands in Bougainville and East New Britain.

He says there’s been increased police work in East New Britain, forcing fugitives to escape – adding Bougainville would be the most likely destination for fugitives from the New Guinea Islands region.

Chief Inspector Vosivai warns that fugitives running to Bougainville will not escape justice.

Police in Kokopo will repatriate Hosea for questioning, although he can also be interrogated in Buka if required.

Vosivai says Bougainville continues to enjoy a relative law and order stability, urging people to keep working with police secure their communities.