Former Falealili MP’s medical document drilled in contempt of court case

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 28 May 2026: The validity of the medical document provided by former Falealili 1 Member of Parliament, Aumua Isaia Lameko and brother of complainant, Tuiloma Laniselota Lameko in the Falealili 2 election petition, was questioned in court by both Prosecution and the Bench.

Aumua is one of the witnesses in the Falealili 1 election petition that failed to attend the hearing on 8 December 2025 and now facing contempt charges.

When asked to give his reasons why he did not turn up, he said he was not feeling well.

“I did plan to appear on 8 December after receiving a summon. However, I was not feeling well so I went to see Dr. Ben Matalavea and asked for a change of medicines,” Aumua explained.

That was on 8 December 2025, but the medical document presented to the court yesterday was dated 14 May 2026.

Prosecution not only questioned the date in the document but put to Aumua that nothing in the document said that he was sick or anything about a change of medicines, but it only says that he sought medical assistance.

Aumua said Dr. Ben is the medical practitioner who deals with all dialysis patients.

He had been a dialysis patient for two years and does treatment three days a week, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Asked if he succeeded in getting new medicine, he said “no”.

Former Falealili 1 Member of Parliament, Aumua Isaia Lameko and brother of complainant in the Falealili 2 election petition, Tuiloma Laniselota Lameko.

Court surprised at Aumua’s ignorance of request to withdraw petition
His Honour Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese asked Aumua if he was the brother of the Petitioner Tuiloma Laniselota Lameko to which he said “yes”.

“The same Petitioner who had an agreement with the Respondent to withdraw the petition?” asked His Honour.

“I apologise but I am not aware of that,” said Aumua.

Surprised, His Honour looked at Aumua.

“Only you seem unaware of your brother’s request to withdraw. How can you not know?” he asked.

His Honour pushed further and told Aumua that the real reason why he did not come to court was because he supported his brother’s request for a withdrawal and had nothing to do with being sick.

Aumua stood by his statement and insisted that he did not know about the request to withdraw.

His Honour however informed Aumua that the medical document he presented does not confirm anything.

“Did you let Tuiloma or his lawyer know of your unavailability,” asked His Honour.

“No” Aumua responded.

Some of the witnesses heading to court.

The car-park decision
All witnesses that gave evidence yesterday gave the same reason why they did not attend court on 8 December when the matter was scheduled for its first hearing.

They told the court that they all came for the hearing after receiving summons on 5 December 2025, however, they all met at separate times with Sagaga Pa’u whom they call the “Fofoga o le Itumalo” – the districts spokesman.

Somehow Sagaga was waiting for the witnesses at the Ministry of Justice Court & Administration car park and approached the witnesses when they arrived at court.

Witnesses Oneai Aleni, Faaiuga Fiavae, Elenor Faleaga, Leavasa Tafaomalo, Sharon Paulo and Saline Laumata all claimed that Sagaga told them that the matter had already been sorted through soalaupule and there was no need for them to give evidence.

Asked where Sagaga told them that, they said at the “car-park”.

None of them had questioned Sagaga further but returned home and some of the witnesses told the court they were happy with what Sagaga said.

Leavasa was the only witness who confirmed knowing Sagaga and all other witnesses said they did not know him.

The tears that revealed
His Honour and Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke took up the line of questioning regarding Sagaga, who he was and his role in the district.

Except for Leavasa, all other witnesses claimed they did not know him.

“So, you took the word of a stranger instead of prioritising the court order to come to court,” asked Justice Clarke.

Silence followed as witness Faaiuga, then Saline just stood and looked at the bench while the Registrar asked them to respond.

Faaiuga was emotional then suddenly remembered that she knew Sagaga.

“Why did you lie?” asked Chief Justice Perese.

Faaiuga said Sagaga misled them.

His Honour put to Faaiuga that she was trying to blame Sagaga and the witnesses did not respond.

Justice Clarke also asked Faaiuga why the court should believe anything else she said after lying.

Saline then shed tears as she revealed that Sagaga was a matai of Falealili and did not know him well – “ou te le masani ai”.

Decision on 26 June
After every witness gave evidence, the court informed them to return to court on 26 June 2026 for the decision.

Before they left, the court warned them not to be misled again but to appear in court on the set date for the decision.

All defendants are charged with contempt of court.