Bail hearing for alleged plotters postponed

Two of four men accused over a plot to assassinate Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi remain in Police custody. 

Lemai Faioso Sione and Malele Paulo, better known as King Faipopo, are being kept there until 16th October 2019 when their lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, will have the opportunity to argue for them to be bailed out.

The men charged with conspiracy to assassinate the Prime Minister were supposed to have their bail hearing yesterday but it did not eventuate.

When the matter was called, lawyers Unasa, Josephine Sapolu and the prosecutor, Magele Leone Su’a, of the Attorney General's Office, were called into chambers. 

After 45 minutes, Unasa returned to the courtroom and advised their client that the matter has been rescheduled to 16th October 2019 for hearing.

Lemai and Paulo, who have pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to murder the Prime Minister, are among four men implicated in the plot.

In the Supreme Court last Monday, the third man, Taualai Leiloa, pleaded guilty to two charges of conspiracy to murder the Prime Minister.

Leiloa took the opportunity to enter a guilty plea in Court at the first opportunity and will be sentenced on 30th September 2019.

The Police allege there is a fourth member behind the conspiracy, Talalelei Pauga - who is also known by his internet alias 'ninja.'

They are working on bringing him to Samoa to be charged.