Seeking HOS help to withdraw criminal charges inappropriate

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 01 May 2025 – A former police officer who is facing criminal charges, has sought the Head of State’s help in asking the complainant to withdraw the charges.

This development has angered the complainant who is disappointed and considered it inappropriate to draw the Head of State into the matter and is adamant to pursue the matter in court.

Talamua understands the Head of State did not ask the complainant directly, but the complainant’s spouse to reconsider the complaint against the defendant.

The defendant is charged with allegedly forging the signature of the complainant as guarantor to secure a $200,000 loan from the Samoa National Provident Fund.

At the time of the offence, the complainant, a senior police officer was on travel duty overseas and was unaware of the transaction that took place in Samoa.

The defendant is facing two counts of forgery and has pleaded not guilty to the charges and the hearing is set for September.