Defendant Moffat Joel Konofilia arrested for riot case in November 2021

Police have arrested and remanded defendant Mr. Moffat Joel Konofilia for his outstanding criminal case before the Honiara Central Magistrates' Court to answer criminal charges he committed during the riot on 24 November 2021.

He faces two counts: Count 1, sedition contrary to section 3(1)(i) of the Sedition Act, and Count 2, taking part in unlawful assembly contrary to section 74 of the Penal Code.

Mr. Konofilia faced two counts and later absconded from his bail conditions on the charges that he miserably failed to attend his court since he left for the United Kingdom (UK) in 2023. As evident on 8 February 2023, a warrant of arrest was issued.

Back then, on 19 September 2022, he provided to the court his address in the UK, which was clearly not genuine and was described as an effort to mislead the court, as supported by police inquiries.

On 30 October 2025, the matter of Mr. Konofilia was reinstated, and the court remanded him to allow time for the prosecution to prepare court trials. He is remanded for 14 days at the Rove Correctional Facility, and the next court date is on the 13th of November, 2025.

However, Mr. Konofilia is still an innocent person until proven guilty by the court. Stop exaggerating comments and views that undermine law and order on social media.

Do remain calm and respectful, as the matter is now before the court.

The integrity of the legal process must be respected, and all parties involved should refrain from making assumptions or spreading misinformation.

It is essential to allow the judicial system to carry out its duties and arrive at a fair conclusion based on the prosecution's evidence.

Police reiterated a clear message that people who breached their bail conditions and absconded from court orders may face the full force of justice and get serious jail terms if found guilty. So, in the case of Mr. Konofilia, the charges were reinstated for prosecution.