Samuelu Su’a released from prison after 2 years in custody

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 26 May 2026 – Samuelu Su’a, the man whose social media declaration triggered a police investigation and led to charges against the Prime Minister and others, was finally released from Tanumalala prison today after District Court Senior Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga ruled that he had served his time while under police custody.

In passing judgement, Judge Saaga sentenced Samuelu to 26 months imprisonment on the charges of harassment using electronic devices.

However, she noted that Sam had been under police custody for 28 months or 2 years and four months and that covered his sentence.

Samuelu’s wife, Sivai Kepi was also sentenced to 4 months on the charge of trying to pervert the course of justice.

Judge Saaga also noted that Sivai had been under police custody for more than 4 months which covers her sentence.

Lise Schmidt discharged without conviction
The third defendant, Lise Marie Schmidt was charged with breaching bail conditions and was discharged without conviction.

Lise Marie Schmidt

Samuelu, Sivai and Lise were jointly charged with Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, former Member of Parliament Fepuleai Faimata Su’a and Police Inspector Li’o Faataumalamalma Auava.

The charges stemmed from Samuelu’s social media declaration implicating police and others on the unresolved hit and run case that killed a university student at Vaitele in April 2021.

The three were charged for misleading the police, conspiracy, trying to defeat the course of justice, harassment and defamation, after an investigation into the hit and run incident that police said was not authorized.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, former Member of Parliament Fepuleai Faimata Sua and Police Inspector Li’o Faataumalama Auava were acquitted. But Samuelu Su’a, Sivai Kepi and Lise Schmidt were found guilty after a 5-week trial and were sentenced today.