A couple faced the Suva Magistrate Court today, accused of corruption involving approximately $500,000. Edua Biuvuli Matai, a former Principal Accounts Officer for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), has been charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with abuse of office for personal gain. His wife, Taucilagi Duri, is charged with aiding and abetting in this abuse of office.

The alleged misconduct occurred between November 2019 and June 2022 while Matai was employed in the civil service. It is claimed that he did not declare his personal interest in a business called Ink Escape Supplies before listing it as an RFMF vendor. This omission enabled him to facilitate payments totaling $467,616.40 to the business, thereby compromising the rights of the RFMF.

In court, Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza remanded the couple due to their inability to secure sureties. Magistrate Hamza instructed their lawyer to arrange for sureties who are older and have authority over the couple. Although FICAC did not oppose bail, they requested strict conditions, including a non-cash bond of $5,000, monthly reporting to FICAC, and the surrender of travel documents. The case has been adjourned for a bail hearing today.

This case underscores the importance of accountability within public service roles and highlights efforts to combat corruption within governmental structures. As the legal proceedings unfold, there remains an opportunity for justice to take its course and reinforce the values of integrity and transparency in public office.