The Crown is making an application to the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court to have a joint trial for Lord Tu'ivakano and two other co-accused. The hearing on the application will be held on November 15.

The Crown's position is that the facts relating to the three are the same.

However, this is opposed strongly by the defence.

The two other co-accused are Isabella Satua Tu’akoi and ‘Ileana Suliana Taulua, who are similarly facing passport offences.

Arguments will be held before Lord Chief Justice Michael Whitten, at the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, on October 25 the Chief Justice found there was sufficient evidence to put the accused to trial, on eight out of nine counts he challenged.

Lord Tu'ivakano who has pleaded not guilty will be tried on a total of 14 charges, which includes perjury, making a false statement, money laundering and accepting bribes as a government servant, relating to the Tongan passports, as well as firearm and ammunition charges.

It is expected that after a ruling on this application for the joint trial, a trial date will most likely be set for 2020.