King Faipopo among 25 Prisoners Released on Parole

Editors note: This story has been updated.

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 21 January 2026 – Malele Paulo aka King Faipopo who was jailed for conspiracy to kill former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegoi, is among twenty-five (25) parolees released last month after the Parole Committee reviewed their applications.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration, Papalii John Taimalelagi said the Parole Board’s sitting on 10 and 12 December considered a total of 71 applications.

“Of these, only 25 applications were approved, and all approvals were granted strictly in accordance with the conditions determined and approved by the parole Board.

A Ministry release further clarified that reports stating that the approval must be signed at the police office are false and misleading.

The release said this is not a requirement and does not form part of the Parole Board decision making process or procedures.