A man accused of setting fire to the Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute on April 7 has been directed to avoid contact with a friend to whom he allegedly confessed. Emosi Tikoicina, facing arson charges, appeared in the High Court in Suva before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe for his bail hearing today.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) lawyer, Zenith Zunaid, requested the court to mandate that the accused keep his distance from all prosecution witnesses, particularly the friend to whom he allegedly admitted the crime. Zunaid noted in a previous session that Tikoicina reportedly confessed the offense verbally to his friend, as well as to the arresting officer, the interviewing officer, and a Justice of Peace.
Tikoicina was granted release on a $500 non-cash bail bond, providing two sureties: his father and cousin brother, who are also bonded for the same amount. He has been reminded to adhere to the bail conditions set by the court while he is out on bail.
The next court appearance for Tikoicina is scheduled for September 30.