The Police Magistrate in Nuku‘alofa has reportedly ruled to prohibit any further travel by Pelikani ‘Aho, the Police Commander of Learning & Capability Development, amid ongoing legal proceedings concerning the alleged importation of firearms and ammunition into Tonga.
The Kakalu online reported that ‘Aho was granted bail under strict conditions, including a ban on travelling overseas or domestically.
The court reportedly emphasised that the travel restrictions will remain in effect until the case is resolved.
Kaniva News has contacted Police Commissioner Geoff Turner for confirmation.
The ruling comes as Tonga’s Attorney General has advised Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke to launch a formal investigation into allegations that Police Minister Piveni Piukala interfered with a separate court order preventing Mormon Church leader Pita Foliaki Hopoate from leaving the country last week.
Hopoate was facing a court hearing over a leadership dispute within the Mormon Church’s alumni association. A restraining order issued by Magistrate Judge Ana Tavo Mailangi on October 29 barred him from departing Tonga.
However, Hopoate was allowed to leave after an alleged directive from Minister Piukala was communicated to airport officials, claiming a new court order was being processed to permit his travel.
Customs Minister Māteni Tapueluelu condemned the move, stating that no such court order for release was ever issued and that Piukala’s actions constituted a breach of the law and an abuse of power.
“This decision is not subject to review or override by any executive authority, minister, or official,” Tapueluelu previously told Kaniva News.
Minister Justifies Intervention
In his VPON media show, Piukala did not deny the allegations but defended his actions, saying he felt compelled to help Hopoate leave the country. He claimed it was difficult to ignore Hopoate’s request and believed he had to act in his favour to prevent financial loss and uphold constitutional rights.
“You are innocent until proven guilty,” Piukala said. “Preventing him from travelling has already caused financial loss—money spent, tickets forfeited, disrupted plans. I thought this might already be a violation of our constitutional duty.”
The incident has sparked widespread concern on social media over executive interference in judicial matters and raised questions about the consistency of law enforcement in Tonga.
While ‘Aho reportedly remains grounded under court orders, Hopoate’s departure—allegedly facilitated by the Minister of Police—has prompted calls for greater accountability and respect for the rule of law.
