The Magistrates Court is set to make a decision regarding the bail hearing of a couple charged with corruption-related offenses. They were taken into custody yesterday after their proposed sureties were deemed unacceptable by Resident Magistrate Sufia Hamza.
The defendants, Ledua Biuvuli Matai, a former employee of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), and his wife, Taucilagi Duri, appeared before the court in Suva. Matai is facing a charge of abuse of office, while Duri is accused of aiding and abetting this offense.
The allegations suggest that between November 2019 and June 2022, Matai, while serving as the RFMF’s Principal Accounts Officer, failed to disclose his personal interest in a business called Ink Escape Supplies. He is accused of improperly adding this business as an RFMF vendor and facilitating payments totaling $467,616.40 to it from the military’s funds. Duri is alleged to have helped her husband in this scheme during the same timeframe.
The case is currently adjourned as the court addresses the matter of sureties this morning. Further updates on this situation will be provided as they become available.
The situation highlights the ongoing efforts to address corruption and ensure accountability, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in institutions. It serves as a reminder that those in positions of power must act responsibly and transparently.
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