An arrest warrant has been ordered for Mormon Church leader Pita Foliaki Hopoate after he failed to appear before Tonga’s Magistrates’ Court in connection with an ongoing legal dispute involving co‑alumni member Epalahame Taukeiʻaho.
The development comes amid an Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation into former Police Minister Piveni Piukala, following allegations that he helped Hopoate flee the Kingdom despite a court‑imposed restraining order.
Kakalu ʻo Tonga online reported that when the matter was called in court on 15 December, neither Hopoate nor his legal counsel was present, prompting the court to take further action. Hopoate is believed to have left Tonga in late October.
Senior Police Court Judge Ane Tavo Mailangi subsequently ordered that Hopoate be brought before the court on 13 February 2026, the outlet said.
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As Kaniva News previously reported, Piukala has confirmed during one of his online livestream programmes that he provided the assistance after being approached for help.
The incident has sparked debate over allegations of political interference, concerns about cabinet governance and accountability, the independence of leadership roles from ministerial influence, and the enforcement of court orders.
Former Customs Minister Mateni Tapueluelu strongly criticised Piukala over alleged interference in the court order relating to Hopoate.
Lord Vaea, who now serves as Speaker of Parliament, also criticised former Prime Minister Aisake Eke for what he described as a lack of action against Piukala.
Eke later suspended Piukala, saying he had been contacted by the ACC Commissioner.
Following the incident, Immigration and Customs officers accused of facilitating Hopoate’s departure were dealt with by their respective ministries.
They both reportedly said they were pressured by Piukala to release Hopoate, who he claimed was in the process of resolving the matter with authorities.
Hopoate is a retired senior church leader who previously held several leadership positions, including serving as an Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints.
