Police Commissioner’s Conflict of Interest Exposed

By Lagi Keresoma/ Photos Julius Uivaa/

Apia, Samoa – 27 May 2025 – Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo’s conflict of interest emerged during his testimony in the defamation case against Sam Su’a and his wife, Sivai Kepi.

Auapaau, is a complainant in the case that began hearing at the District Court yesterday morning, and faced scrutiny by defence counsels regarding his involvement in encouraging police to file charges against the couple after Sam’s allegations of police dishonesty went viral.

Auapaau is Prosecution’s first witness in the five-weeks trial presided by Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga.

Auapaau was not involved in the investigation but was a police witness when Sam was brought in to be interviewed in September 2022 regarding an interview he had with the Tautai A’e program on the New Zealand based Bluwave TV.

Sam had named Auapaau in the program and accused police and the Commissioner of dishonesty in dealing with his evidence.

In court, Auapaau rubbished Sam’s evidence and said Sam’s name never came up in the first investigation of the unresolved hit and run case that killed the university student, Tu’uau Maselino on 21 April 2021.

Four of of the defendants Li’o Faataumalama Auava, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, Fepuleai Faimata Su’a and Lise Schmidt with supporters outside Court before the case started.

During cross examination by defence counsel Kathryn Dalziel, it came to light that Auapaau is one of the complainants against Sam and Sivai. The other two complainants are MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi and May Cai.

Daziel put to Auapaau that as a complainant, he cannot put on his police hat but Auapaau disagreed.

In responding to Kathryn Dalziel’s line of questioning, he agreed that he encouraged the police to file defamation charges against Sam and Sivai.

Dalziel then asked Auapaau if he knew the difference between conflict of interest and the charges.

He said “no” then asked counsel to  tell him.

Daziel then explained that Auapaau cannot use his position as a Police Commissioner to encourage police to file defamation charges against Sam and Sivai he was lodging a complaint about.

However, Auapaau said he lodged a complaint against Sam because he had belittled and defamed him and spread lies and misinformation about him and the Ministry of Police on the Tautai Ae program that went viral on the internet.

He also said he had no personal interest in the case.

PERSONAL INTEREST OBVIOUS
Dalziel put to Auapaau that his personal interest in the case was obvious when he said Sam’s viral video had an impact on him, his wife and children, his village  and extended family, but he insisted that it was not true.

She then reminded him in his own words that “to date I cannot forget what Sam said which had an impact on my family and health.”

He admitted that he visited a doctor who informed him that his blood pressure was high and he was willing to provide a medical report if need be.

Counsel Richard Merchant who represents defendant Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and others continued the cross examination.

He pointed out to Auapaau that the reality of the case is defending his (Auapaau’s) reputation.

“The reason for this case is to correct the misinformation and how police should follow protocol to conduct their duty,” said Auapaau.

Auapaau referred to an investigation conducted by former police officer Li’o Faataumalama Auava under the instruction of the former Minister of Agriculture, Laauli.

He said the investigation was “unlawful” and that a police team was assigned to do the investigation. He only found out about Li’os investigation when he was summoned by Laauli to meet at his office where he was told about the investigation and its outcome.

He also admitted in court that he was “angry” after finding out about the investigation. However, after recess, he asked the court to change the word angry to “sad”.

Defence counsel Kathryn Daziel however pointed out that his anger prompted him to encourage police to file charges against Sam and Sivai.

But Auapaau maintained that he wanted to correct Sam’s statements against him and the police that tarnished his and the police reputation.

Following up on cross examination, Richard pointed out that the charges against Sam and Sivai were only made after Sam’s interview went viral in September.
But Auapaau said Lealailepule already filed a complaint and May sent him her complaint via email.

Court adjourned at 5 this afternoon and Auapaau’s testimony continues when court resumes tomorrow morning.

The charges against Sam and his wife Sivai are the first to be heard in a five-week trial with other four defendants that include Member of Parliament and FAST Party Leader, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao, MP Fepuleai Faimata Su’a, former Police Inspector Li’o Faataumalamalam Auava and Lise Schmidt.

Police are calling seventy-six witnesses.

The defence counsels are Muriel Lui, Richard Merchant, Tanya Toailoa and Kathryn Daziel.

Prosecution is led by Taimalelagi Leinafo Strickland.