An Audio Recording Played in Court Alleged a $30k Settlement

By Yvonne Atonio/

Apia, SAMOA – 4 December 2025: An audio recording submitted by the Human Rights Protection party (HRPP) in court yesterday alleged a $30,000 payment by the Deputy Prime Minister, Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo to petitioner and HRPP candidate, Tuiloma Laniselota Lameko.

The recording alleged the voices of Faasaleleaga 3 Member of Parliament, Namulauulu Sami Leota and Tuiloma where Tuiloma said he was given $30,000 by Toelupe and another $70,000 delivered to him by the wife of another MP.

The recording is part of HRPP’s argument to be an intervener in the current electoral petition brought by Tuiloma against Toelupe.

The case
Toelupe defeated Tuiloma in the August election and currently holds the Falealili 1 parliamentary seat.

In a lead up to the current case before the electoral court, Tuiloma filed a petition alleging corrupt practises against Toelupe and Toelupe filed a counter petition accusing Tuiloma of more than 100 bribery and treating allegations.

On the day scheduled for the hearing, Tuiloma applied to withdraw his petition and Toelupe also agreed to withdraw his counter petition.

The court gave them 7 days to advertise their intention to withdraw, and the court to officially acknowledge the withdrawal after fulfilling the conditions given.

However, on the day the matter was recalled, HRPP stepped in and asked to join the petition on the grounds that they oppose Tuiloma’s move to withdraw his petition.

HRPP was granted leave to join but only on the withdrawal aspect and yesterday they presented their argument why they should be part of the case.

HRPP caucus & recording
It was heard in court that it was during an HRPP caucus meeting in October that Tuiloma was asked about an alleged $100,000 payment from Toelupe.

HRPP provided two affidavits; from its Deputy leader Lauofo Fonotoe Pierre Meredith and Secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.

Lauofo stated in his affidavit that when Tuiloma was asked about the payment, Tuiloma said it was an agreement between two gentlemen.

The court has adjourned to decide whether HRPP’s argument warrants them a place as an intervener in the Falealili 1 election court case.