Fugitive Convict Caught with 43 Packets of Cannabis One Year After Prison Escape
The flight of Salomon Tekege (21), a prisoner who escaped from the Nabire Class II B Correctional Institution in 2025, has finally come to an end. The fugitive, who was on the Most Wanted list, was apprehended by police in the Kampung Harapan area, near the old Nabire Airport, Central Papua.
Salomon was arrested by the Special Criminal Investigation Team of the Central Papua Regional Police on Thursday night, 17 September 2026. Upon his arrest, police also discovered 43 packets of cannabis suspected to belong to him.
The arrest of Salomon began while police were investigating several individuals suspected of involvement in theft, robbery, and cannabis abuse within the Nabire region. From the scene, police detained three youths for questioning. During the interrogation, the identity of one of the youths was revealed to be Salomon, the fugitive sought for escaping from a correctional facility.
The Acting Head of Public Relations for the Central Papua Regional Police, Commissioner Henry J. Manurung, stated that police only identified Salomon after examining the three youths.
“After we conducted the examination, it was revealed that one of them is Salomon Tekege, who is a wanted prisoner following his escape from the Nabire Class II B Correctional Institution in 2025,” said Henry on Friday, 18 September 2026.
Following the arrest, investigators began delving into Salomon’s activities while at large. From preliminary investigations, police found evidence of his alleged involvement in several criminal offences. Salomon reportedly admitted to committing motorcycle thefts and street robberies. Police also suspect his involvement in the distribution and sale of cannabis.
“Salomon admitted to committing motorcycle theft and robbery on several occasions. He is also suspected of being involved in cannabis trafficking or sales activities,” he added.
These allegations are currently being investigated by detectives, who are also working to confirm the full extent of the crimes committed by Salomon during his time as a fugitive.
“Regarding his status and the history of his escape, we are coordinating with the Nabire Class II B Correctional Institution. Meanwhile, investigators are still looking into several cases involving the individual,” he said.
Meanwhile, the two other youths detained, identified as BP and AG, are still undergoing questioning. Police are investigating whether both individuals were involved in the criminal activities currently under investigation.