Airport robbery accused face committal hearing today

February 26, 2026 9:51 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Terence Malapa.

The Senior Magistrates’ Court in Port Vila has scheduled a committal hearing today, 27 February 2026, in connection with the alleged airport robbery, widely described as Vanuatu’s first major heist at Port Vila International Airport.

Senior Magistrate Kibeon Nimbwen set the date to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit the accused to stand trial in the Supreme Court on the indictable offences.

During the mention hearing, Prosecutor Tristan Karae told the Court that police investigations have been completed and that the prosecution brief has been filed and served on defence counsel. He acknowledged that disclosure materials were served late to some defence lawyers, who have requested additional time to properly review the evidence before the preliminary inquiry begins.

Mr. Karae said the accused face two separate sets of charges.

The first relates to allegations of theft involving a stolen vehicle, commonly referred to as a “bongo,” as well as theft allegedly committed in June 2025.

The second concerns the alleged armed robbery at the airport on 29 December 2025, during which more than VT49 million was reportedly stolen.

The prosecution indicated its intention to apply for consolidation of the charges into a single indictment on the basis that the offences are substantially connected and form part of the same series of events.

The Court was also informed that several of the accused have been granted bail under strict conditions, including reporting requirements and travel restrictions.

Three accused who allegedly participated directly in the physical robbery of cash at the airport remain in custody on remand.

In total, five of the accused have been released on bail, while the remaining defendants continue to be detained pending the outcome of the committal proceedings.

At the hearing, the Court will assess whether a prima facie case has been established against each accused.

If sufficient evidence is found, the matter will be committed to the Supreme Court for trial.