PRESS RELEASE
8 June 2026
Solomon Islands National University welcomes the judgment of the High Court of Solomon Islands in Civil Case No. 504 of 2023 between Solomon Islands National University and Andrew Suti Tonowane.
The High Court has confirmed that Solomon Islands National University is the lawful registered proprietor of Fixed Term Estate Parcel 192-002-131, also known as PN131, situated at Panatina, East Honiara. The Court declared that SINU has exclusive rights to possession, use, and enjoyment of the land.
The Court also ordered the Defendant, together with all persons claiming through or under him, to vacate and deliver vacant possession of the occupied portions of the land within 28 days from the date of judgment. A permanent injunction was granted restraining the Defendant and associated persons from re-entering, occupying, using, building on, or otherwise interfering with the land without SINU’s prior written consent.
The Court further awarded SINU SBD $500,000 in damages for trespass and ordered costs in SINU’s favour. The Defendant’s counterclaim, including claims relating to rectification of the land register, overriding interest, and adverse possession, was dismissed in its entirety.
SINU respects the judgment of the Court and acknowledges the importance of the rule of law in resolving land disputes. The University also recognises the sensitivity of land matters and will take steps to implement the Court’s orders in a lawful, orderly, and respectful manner.
The judgment is significant for SINU because it confirms the University’s registered ownership of important Panatina Campus land and provides a clear legal basis for the University to secure vacant possession and plan responsibly for future institutional development.
SINU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau, said the decision is important not only for the University, but also for the integrity of registered land ownership in Solomon Islands.
“This judgment confirms SINU’s lawful title and provides certainty over land that is important to the future development of the University. SINU will proceed carefully and lawfully in implementing the Court’s orders. We remain committed to acting responsibly, respecting due process, and ensuring that University land is protected and used for the benefit of students, staff, and the people of Solomon Islands.”
The University thanks its legal counsel, Council, Secretariat, management, and staff who assisted in the conduct of this matter.
SINU will now work through the required legal and administrative steps to ensure compliance with the judgment and to secure the land for future University purposes.
ENDS//