District Court Judge Talasa Atoa -Saaga has recused herself from any matter involving six of the accused, including Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, who were charged for the high-profile conspiracy case, according to her 197-page written ruling.

The written decision was released on Monday to the media following the District Court decision on the case on 27 March. The court found Samuelu Sua guilty of misleading police, defamation and harassment by electronic means. Su'a's wife, Sivai Kepi, was found guilty of one charge of misleading police investigation, and Lise-Marie Schmidt was also found guilty of one charge of perverting the course of justice and cleared of others.

Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, Li'o Fa'ataumalama Auava and Fepuleai Faimata Su'a were found not guilty of the charges against them.

The case was about Sua’s claim that he witnessed a member of parliament cause the accident that killed 21-year-old Tuuau Maletino in April 2021.

In her written ruling, Judge Atoa-Saaga said, “As I have found credibility findings in respect of officers involved in this matter, I will not be presiding over the individual charges against Laauli. I also recuse myself from presiding over any cases involving any of the defendants.

“Counsels will be advised of the judge who will be presiding over the individual charges against Laauli on 5 May 2026, when the matter will be called for mention.”

Judge Ato-Saaga also set the sentencing date for Sua, Kepi and Schmidt for 30 April, with sentencing submission set for 24 April.

The judge also recommended that an independent investigation be conducted into the death of Maletino and allegations of an assassination plot. She said this would be the proper course to take.

She said the investigation would also clear those who were allegedly implicated in the hit-and-run death of Maletino. She stated that a written report must be published after the completion of the investigation.

“Even if it yields no results, the sons and daughters of this nation can rest assured that their lives are precious and the leaders of this nation (Three Arms of Government) will leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for the atonement of their blood,” she wrote.