MOFFAT Konofilia, who faces charges of sedition and unlawful assembly for allegedly leading a group of people to protest at the National Parliament during the November 2021 riot, has been re-arrested and remanded in custody.
The prosecution confirmed that Konofilia returned to the Solomon Islands on Tuesday 28th October and was re-arrested on the following day.
The arrest followed his failure to comply with previous bail conditions, after which an arrest warrant had been issued.
Konofilia was originally arrested and charged with one count of sedition and one count of unlawful assembly following the 2021 riot, and the matter was listed for trial from 13 to 24 February 2022.
Before the trial began, he applied to have his bail conditions varied to allow him to travel to the United Kingdom, and the court granted this variation at the time.
However, on 8 February 2023, Konofilia failed to appear in court in compliance with his bail conditions.
The prosecution then sought an arrest warrant, and police attempted to execute it, but were unsuccessful until 28 October 2025.
Multiple attempts were made through the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Solomon Islands Embassy, and the Solomon Islands Consular Office in London to locate and arrest him, but these efforts failed.
A Mutual Assistance Request was also made by the Director of Public Prosecutions, in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Chambers, to extradite Konofilia, but this too was unsuccessful.
Due to the difficulty in locating him in the UK, the prosecution withdrew the matter under Section 190(2)(b)(ii) of the Criminal Procedure Code on 7 March 2025.
On 28 October 2025, police intelligence received information that Konofilia would be returning to the Solomon Islands, and arrangements were made to arrest him immediately upon arrival.
Konofilia appeared in the Central Magistrate’s Court on 30 October 2025 without a lawyer.
Public Prosecutor Olivia Ratu Manu opposed his bail application, stating that the seriousness of the charges, his prior breach of bail, and the likelihood of absconding made him unsuitable for bail.
Konofilia requested bail, explaining that he had responsibilities related to football players in the UK, but the court found a high risk he would not comply with any bail conditions.
Principal Magistrate Michael Fagani refused bail and ordered Konofilia to be remanded in custody for 14 days.
He is free to seek legal representation and reapply for bail in the future.
The matter is scheduled to return to court on 13 November 2025.
Konofilia, 48, is also known for a 2025 UK court conviction for sexually assaulting a teenage girl while living in an asylum residence.
He received an 18-month community order, including alcohol monitoring and unpaid work.
The case remains before the Honiara Magistrates’ Court, with further proceedings expected.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by Police Media Unit on Sunday morning said, 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,” the statement concluded.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
