A man accused of setting fire to the Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute on April 7 has been instructed to avoid contact with a friend to whom he allegedly confessed the crime.
Emosi Tikoicina, charged with arson, appeared before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe for a bail application hearing at the High Court in Suva.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) lawyer, Zenith Zunaid, requested that the court prohibit the accused from approaching all prosecution witnesses, especially the friend to whom he reportedly confessed. Mr. Zunaid noted that Tikoicina had allegedly made verbal admissions about the offense to several individuals, including a friend, an arresting officer, an interviewing officer, and a Justice of Peace.
Tikoicina has been granted release on a $500 non-cash bail bond and has provided two sureties, namely his father and cousin, who are also bonded for the same amount. He is reminded to adhere to the bail conditions set by the court while released.
The next court appearance for Mr. Tikoicina is scheduled for September 30.