Lawyers representing the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and Sarika Devi Raj, a former finance officer of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), have been granted additional time to resolve issues concerning necessary disclosures in the ongoing legal case against Raj. This decision was made during a session at the Suva Magistrate’s Court, where Raj sought modifications to her bail conditions, specifically to eliminate the requirement for her to report to the FICAC office regularly.

Raj is accused of having committed acts resulting in an improper gain of $182,404.99 between September 20, 2019, and June 19, 2020. The allegations claim that she did not declare her status as the sole proprietor of Maleka Investment, a vendor for the RFMF, which purportedly harmed the interests of the RFMF.

In court, Raj’s lawyer, Mohammed Saneem, argued that FICAC misled the court regarding the execution of a search warrant, stating that relevant documents directed by the RFMF’s legal director were not sufficiently provided. He raised pivotal questions about which authority should take precedence in the case—the RFMF or the court.

FICAC lawyer Lavinia Ravuikadavu responded by denying any misleading of the court, clarifying that although FICAC executed the search warrant, the organization has more than 150 manuals and instructions and needs specific document requests from Saneem. She indicated that they had communicated their position in a letter dated December 17, 2024.

Magistrate Pulekeria Low underscored the importance of FICAC providing the necessary documents, given their role in charging Raj. Saneem was granted a 14-day period to submit another application to FICAC, which will have an additional 14 days to respond. Both parties are expected to return to court on January 23.

This case exemplifies the complexities involved in legal proceedings concerning corruption allegations, highlighting the commitment to due process and transparency within Fiji’s judicial system. As both sides work through these legal challenges, it represents a significant step toward accountability within government operations, fostering a hopeful outlook for justice in Fiji.