​Alleged hired killer escapes from custody

The Engan man who was allegedly hired to kill another man along the Sogeri road early this year has escaped from police custody.

The Central Committal Court issued a warrant of arrest for Nelson David Yakan (29) from Sopos village, Wabag, Enga Province, after he escaped from the Committal Court precinct while being escorted to court.

His arrest warrant will return to court on June 15 for review. He was remanded at Bomana when brought to court for mention where he escaped.

Yakan was arrested on Jan 17 and charge with wilfully and unlawfully killing a Paul Sope on Jan 13 at 14-Mile outside Port Moresby.

He was also charged with the attempted murder of Jack Ninkama.

He was allegedly hired with two others, only known to the court as Junior and Walis, both from Surunki, Enga Province, to do the “job” at K15,000. 

The incident took place along the Sogeri road at around 4:30pm.

According to the Police summary of facts before the court, Yakan and two of his accomplices met at the Adventure Park and walked over to the roadside market where they waited for their target, a blue Toyota 10-seater.

Armed with a pump action shot gun, they allegedly fired a shot directly at the vehicle, behind the driver seat. The bullet missed the driver, Jack Ninkama.

Two other shots were later allegedly fired, which hit the vehicle that was travelling behind that 10-seater. It was a white Hyundai Dyna which belonged to the Boroma Piggery Ltd. One of the bullets hit the driver in the chest, landing on the front wind screen, killing the driver (Paul Sope) instantly at the scene.

The three men fled the scene however, Yakan was apprehended at New Block, 14-Mile.

On his arrest, Yakan admitted to police that he was one of the three men that were hired by a man (known) who met them at the Gordon Kai Bar to get a job done at K15,000.

 (Waigani District Court building)

Author: 
Sally Pokiton