Maota o Viiga hosts apply to quash charges against them

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 30 April 2026: The Australia based social media influencers using the Maota o Viiga platform have lodged an application to quash the charges against them.

The application filed by counsel, Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio is based on the grounds of jurisdiction and the prosecutions’ application to allow the complainant, Asiata Pio Vaoliko, to give his evidence via a video link.

Asiata is the host of the Tauta’i A’e social media program based in Auckland, New Zealand and filed the complaint against Toleafoa Sai’a Toleafoa and wife Ainuu Iliganoa Savainaea.

The couple is jointly charged with harassment using electronic devices under Section 219 of the Samoa Crimes Act, and False Statement Causing Harm to a Person’s Reputation under Section 117A.

Faimalomatumua opposed the prosecutions application hence the application on the grounds of jurisdiction.

The District Court will hear both applications on Friday this week.

Both Toleafoa Sai’a Toleafoa and wife Ainuu Iliganoa Savainaea appeared in court in December 2025 where they were granted leave of jurisdiction to return to Australia for medical check-up on the understanding they return to Samoa to stand trial