Lilomaiava Maina Vai says the past few months have taken a heavy toll on her family, following allegations that her husband, Inspector Nanai Vani, leaked confidential police information linked to drug raid operations.
Speaking after confirmation that Nanai will be reinstated into the Samoa Police Service on Monday 18 May, Lilomaiava said the matter first surfaced when her husband was informed he was being suspended while police investigated claims that he allegedly leaked an armed search warrant connected to drug enforcement operations.
She said that on 14 February, her husband was told the investigation had been completed and that he had been cleared of wrongdoing. Despite that outcome, she said the allegations and public scrutiny had already caused lasting damage to their family.
“The fabrication of this whole thing has led to a lot of abuse, not just towards me and my husband but also our family,” she said.
Lilomaiava also criticised public comments made by the Prime Minister during the investigation period, saying they created an impression that her husband was already guilty before any findings had been concluded.
She referred to the Prime Minister’s statement “o le tagata e faalataina le atunuu e ola fua ua oti” which she said suggested that anyone who betrays the country is effectively already dead while still alive. She said such remarks had a serious emotional and reputational impact on her family while the investigation was ongoing.
On the question of back pay following reinstatement, Lilomaiava said nothing was discussed during a recent meeting with police leadership. She said Nanai told her that only three officials were present at the meeting when he was called back to the Police Headquarter, Acting Commissioner of Police Leiataua Afamasaga, Papalii Eneliko Masepa’u and Leausalilo Norman.
Under Section 52(3) of the Samoa Police Service Act 2009, a suspended officer may be reinstated at any time by the authority that imposed the suspension, either to their former position or another role, and is entitled to receive one month’s salary and allowances effective from the date of suspension.
A police memorandum dated 15 May 2026 directs Human Resources and support services to complete all administrative requirements for Nanai’s reinstatement.
While returning to duty, Nanai will no longer serve with the Tactical Operations Section (TOS), where he previously worked as a senior inspector and once led the security detail for former Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa. He will instead be temporarily reassigned to General Policing until further notice.
It has also been reported by Samoa Observer that Nanai is now considering legal action against the Government over the handling of the case. No comment has been made by the Government regarding the reported intention to sue.
