Police in Wewak, East Sepik Province, are investigating the death of a man following an alleged assault that occurred over the weekend.

East Sepik Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Christopher Tamari confirmed that Richmond Aaron died on Sunday at Boram Provincial Hospital after sustaining serious injuries during an incident that allegedly took place in the early hours of Saturday.

Superintendent Tamari said relatives of the deceased lodged a formal complaint with police, identifying several persons alleged to have been involved in the incident.

Among those identified was the son of Wewak MP Stanley Samban.

According to Superintendent Tamari, MP Samban contacted police and informed them that his son would be surrendered to authorities to assist with investigations.

The MP later travelled to Wewak and handed his son, along with other persons of interest, over to police.

According to initial police reports, the deceased and the primary suspect were relatives, and the incident allegedly arose from a family dispute at a residence in Kreer Valley.

Police allege the deceased was found in a compromising situation involving a female relative, which led to a confrontation during which he sustained serious injuries.

The injured man was transported to Boram Provincial Hospital, where he later died while receiving medical treatment.

During the surrender, MP Samban said no individual should be placed above the law.

“No one is above the law, and I will not protect my son using my position. I am not condoning the matter. Law is for everyone, and anyone who breaches laws must be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

Superintendent Tamari commended the MP for cooperating with police and assisting officers with the investigation.

“He is a true leader who takes law and order seriously,” Superintendent Tamari said.

The Provincial Police Commander said investigations are continuing and police are preparing to lay appropriate charges against those found to have been involved.

Police have urged members of the public to allow the investigation process to proceed while inquiries remain ongoing.