In August 2018, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi filed a defamation complaint against Malele, which appears to have set the stage for his arrest after he entered the country in early February.
Mwezi Agosti 2018, Waziri Mkuu Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi alisajili mahakamani malalamiko ya kukashfiwa dhidi ya Malele na yamesababisha kukamatwa kwake alipoingia nchini mapema mwezi Februari.