Judge issues strict orders on Maota O Viiga Hosts

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 11 October 2025: District Court Judge Papalii Alalatoa Rosela Papalii has ordered two Australian based Samoan social media influencers not to make anymore adverse comments against the complainant or anyone on their social media platform.

Whilst she allows the Maota O Samoa Viiga ole Atua program to continue, she however emphasised the strictness of her order.

“You are strictly prohibited from making any adverse publications against the complainant or any other person on any social media platform including print, photos and video,” said Papalii.

The defendants are man and wife, Ainuu Iliganoa Savainaea and Toleafoa Saia Toleafoa are based in Australia and appeared in Court today to answer to the charge of defamation by using electronic means to defame someone.

Police however asked for a one-week adjournment to finalise their charges.

Judge Papalii granted the adjournment which also gave time to the defence to file their application before the matter is recalled on 18 November 2025.

Prior to the final order, Judge Papalii ordered the defendants not to publish anything else on social media or any other media platform.

Defendant Maota o Viiga  host, Toleafoa Saia Toleafoa (in black and white with left side to camera) talking with Opposition MP, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi outside court.

Toleafoa raised his hand and asked the court to allow their weekly program to continue but Judge Papali’i stopped him and let his lawyer speak for him.

Toleafoa’s lawyer, Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio told the court that his clients host a weekly current affairs program.

“What kind of current affairs issues? Is it about health?” the Judge asked.

“General issues,” said Faimalomatumua.

Judge Papalii said that remains to be seen then asked Police on their thoughts about the application to continue the program.

Police however did not reject the application as long as it does not say anything else against the complainant.

Judge Papalii then allowed the program on strict orders against any adverse comments or publication against the complainant or any other person.

Both defendants are remanded on liberty and on bail conditions that include surrendering their travel documents and signing in at the Apia Police headquarters every Friday.