A man accused of setting fire to the Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute on April 7 has been instructed by the court to maintain distance from a friend to whom he reportedly confessed the crime. Emosi Tikoicina, facing arson charges, appeared before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe at the High Court in Suva to present his bail application.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) lawyer, Zenith Zunaid, urged the court to mandate that Tikoicina not contact any prosecution witnesses, particularly the friend he allegedly confessed to. In a previous court session, Zunaid mentioned that the accused had made verbal confessions of the crime to various individuals, including a friend, the arresting officer, the interviewing officer, and a Justice of Peace.
Tikoicina was granted a $500 non-cash bail bond and is required to provide two sureties, which include his father and cousin, who are also bonded for the same amount. He has been reminded to adhere to the bail conditions set by the court. The next court appearance for Tikoicina is scheduled for September 30.