Family demands justice as petition over Plaeten Nimbi’s death filed in Wewak

A seven-day petition demanding justice for the murder of the late Plaeten Nimbi was formally presented to the Wewak Police Station at around 2:00 pm on Thursday by the family and community of Hularina, together with ward councillors of the Wewak Local-Level Government.

The incident occurred on Friday, November 21, 2025, between 9:00 and 10:00 pm at Winjamar Karanas Park in Wewak Urban.

Plaeten Nimbi, the son of the late Linus Moku, a renowned business figure in East Sepik Province, was allegedly assaulted while drinking. The group involved is believed to have included four alleged murder suspects, who witnesses claim were present at the time of the attack.

Following the assault, Mr Nimbi was admitted to hospital, where he remained for two weeks undergoing treatment. He later succumbed to his injuries and has since been in the morgue for one and a half weeks.

The petition was witnessed by Ward Committee Member for Ward 7 Greg Loff, Ward Committee Member for Ward 22 Casper Jinare, Councillor Willie from Makon Village, Wewak Police Station Commander Inspector Simeon Kofa, and a representative from the Governor’s Office, Pastor Abraham Kumbia.

A convoy accompanying the petitioners was escorted into the police precinct, where the petition was officially lodged.

Speaking on behalf of the family and community, spokesperson Greg Loff outlined the key demands of the petition. These include the immediate apprehension of four alleged suspects, including two who were previously arrested and later released, an urgent review of the decision to release the suspects, the eviction of illegal settlers from customary land, and compensation to cover funeral expenses.

Mr Loff said the immediate family is seeking justice for their loved one. He also acknowledged the shortage of manpower within the East Sepik Wewak Police, stating that the community is willing to cooperate and assist police where possible.

While handing over the petition to Police Station Commander Inspector Simeon Kofa, Mr Loff confirmed that the petition was also addressed to the Member for Wewak, the Governor of East Sepik Province, the Provincial Police Commander, the Wewak Town Mayor, and the Ward Councillor for Meni.

To promote peace and closure, the petition calls for a compulsory funeral contribution of K70,000 to be paid to the family of the late Plaeten Nimbi of Kriminding 2, Hularina Community, Wewak Local, East Sepik Province.

Inspector Simeon Kofa commended the petition and the cooperation shown by the family and community. He said once his officers deliver the petition to the relevant offices, police will review the document in accordance with the law.

“Justice will still prevail,” Inspector Kofa said.

The petition marks the beginning of a seven-day notice period, during which authorities are expected to formally respond to the concerns raised by the family and community.

The seven-day period is expected to end on 26 December 2025.