The television station of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, was reportedly raided by Samoa Police this week.
The raid was part of an investigation into an interview the station aired where serious criminal allegations were levelled at a former deputy police commissioner.
Samoa Observer reports that the allegations were made by former police officer, Paepaetele Ernest Junior, in an interview Monday on ‘Ao Sinasina’ a current affairs program.
Paepaetele accused former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Nafaitoa Talaimanu Keti, of a number of serious misconduct during his time in the force.
The allegations were not substantiated by any evidence during the program which has since been removed from the station’s web page,
Nafaitoa issued a public statement the next day saying he had laid a complaint with Samoa Police over the allegations in the interview.
He said the alleged matter had been investigated in the past and found to be “without basis’’.
The newspaper said police officers were seen at the John Williams building housing the church headquarters and administration offices.
No statement has been received from Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil, whom Paepaetele also accused of being unprofessional in the handling of personnel.
Nafaitoa says he has instructed his lawyers to look at filing a defamation case against the church tv station and its owners.
He also questioned the timing of the broadcast coming just days away from the General Elections.
The General Secretary of the church, Rev Vavatau Taufao said he had not seen the program so he could not comment.
