Arrest warrant issued for Asomaliu

An arrest warrant has been issued for a man who allegedly fired gunshots next to a Police operation, and failed to turn up at his trial. 

Sosene Asomaliu was scheduled to stand trial this month with co-defendant, Mo’a Iolamo, for allegedly discharging gunshots near the Police at Afiamalu in April this year. 

Asomaliu pleaded not guilty to two charges of aggravated robbery and possession of unlawful weapon and was granted bail earlier last month, after he was kept in custody for four months after his arrest.

When the matter was called before the Supreme Court on Monday, the prosecution advised the Court that the defendant has an outstanding warrant of arrest against him. 

The Attorney General’s Office lawyer and prosecutor, Fuifui Ioane, said the hearing was scheduled with Asomaliu having an outstanding warrant of arrest. 

His co-defendant, Iolamo, is in custody and was present in Court.

Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke then adjourned the matter for the hearing to take place on 19 July next year. 

Asomaliu was apprehended by the Police in April from Faleatiu with the assistance of the village council.

In April, the Police issued a notice asking for Asomaliu to be located after he was involved in an incident where a gun was pointed at and discharged towards police officers. 

Sosene, who is also known as Sene Asomaliu, of Fasito’o-tai and Malie, allegedly fired a handgun in front of a Police officer after threatening the officer, says the Police statement at the time.

The defendant was suspected to have been working with escaped prisoner, Pati Chong Nee who remains at large to this day.

The chiefs of Fasitoo-tai apprehended Asomaliu and took him to Faleolo Police post from where he was subsequently transported to the Police headquarters in Apia.