Court orders Departure Prohibition on accused released on bail

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 25 FEBRUARY 2022: The Deputy Commissioner of the Electoral Office, Afualo Daryl Mapu, accused of the possession of illegal drugs has been granted bail under strict conditions.

In granting bail last Friday, Supreme Court Senior Judge, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson ordered a Departure Prohibition Order to be issued immediately against the defendant and that he surrender all his travel documents to the court Registrar.

The accused Afualo Daryl Mapu

The accused has been in police custody since he was arrested following a police raid on 28 December last year.

Justice Vui ruled that he was not satisfied that there was just cause for the defendant to continue being remanded in custody.

The defendant was also to provide two people to sign a surety bond at a sum of $2,500 each and $5000 for the defendant.

The defendant is ordered not to contact his co-defendant or any prosecution witnesses by way of social media or any other form.

He is also to report to the Faleata Police post before 12.00pm Tuesdays and Thursdays.

In granting bail, the Court considered whether there was a risk that the defendant may not appear on the day of the hearing or try to interfere with the prosecution witnesses or possible reoffending.

The defendant was arrested in a police raid at Nu’u-fou on 28 December 2021 and charged with possession of 1.6 grams of methamphetamine, drug utensils, 3 unlawful weapons and live ammunition.

The matter is adjourned to 7 March 2022 for the defendant to enter a plea.