A former Minister of Police is expected to appear in court on Monday next week following an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into allegations he intervened in a court matter that allowed a church leader to leave the country.
Kaniva News understands that Piveni Piukala is expected to answer allegations that he assisted Pita Foliaki Hopoate to leave Tonga for the United States, despite a court-issued restraining order prohibiting his travel.
Details of the charges and specific court proceedings have not yet been publicly released.
In an earlier statement, authorities confirmed that Hopoate remains the subject of ongoing court proceedings, and that a formal order had been issued preventing him from leaving Tonga.
The restraining order followed legal action brought by ‘Epalahame Taukei’aho’, a member of their Mormon Church school alumni association.
It is understood that Hopoate is currently in the United States
The case has drawn significant public attention, raising concerns about the enforcement of court orders and the potential misuse of authority.
As Kaniva News reported previously, the case plunged the nation into intense public outrage, exposing deep divisions across Tonga’s political and social landscape.
When the incident first emerged last year, former Minister of Customs Māteni Tapueluelu publicly criticised Mr Piukala, raising concerns over what was seen as interference in matters under his ministry’s authority at the airport.
It follows criticism from Lord Vaea at the time, now the Speaker of Parliament, who faulted former Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke for not removing Mr Piukala from Cabinet earlier.
Dr Eke later announced that Mr Piukala had resigned in December, citing pressure from the Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner to ensure the investigation could proceed independently.
As previously reported by Kaniva News, Mr Piukala did not deny assisting Mr Hopoate, publicly maintaining that it was his duty as a Member of Parliament to help members of the public when approached for assistance.
