The Suva Magistrates Court has convicted Ifrana Nisha, previously a secretary at the Independent Legal Services Commission (ILSC), on charges related to corruption. Resident Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne delivered the verdict, finding Ms. Nisha guilty on seven counts of Falsification of Documents and two counts of Obtaining a Financial Advantage, while acquitting her on one count of the latter.
Evidence presented in court indicated that between July 2012 and November 2014, Ms. Nisha engaged in fraudulent activities by forging the signatures of former Solicitor-General Sharvada Sharma and lawyer Ana Tuiketei on cheques. She manipulated the system by designating herself and ILSC Commissioner Paul Madigan as payees to secure financial gains.
In a notable instance, Ms. Nisha falsified a cheque worth $3,450, listing Ms. Tuiketei as the payee, and directed an ILSC receptionist, Vandana Raj, to cash the cheque and return the funds to her.
During the trial, Mr. Sharma, Ms. Tuiketei, and Mr. Madigan appeared as witnesses for the prosecution, all affirming they had no knowledge of or benefit from the fraudulent cheques. Supporting the prosecution’s case, bank records verified withdrawals from the ILSC’s accounts, and testimony from Ms. Raj corroborated that she acted on Ms. Nisha’s instructions in cashing the cheques.
The court’s conclusions were based on circumstantial evidence that indicated Ms. Nisha’s sole access to the cheque books, her exclusive authority in raising the cheques, and the recovery of funds exclusively for her benefit. The case is set for adjournment on February 13, 2026.
This conviction highlights the importance of accountability in public service and serves as a reminder of the legal and ethical standards expected from individuals in positions of trust. As the case proceeds to its next stage, it may pave the way for deeper scrutiny of practices within the ILSC and similar institutions, potentially leading to reforms that enhance transparency and integrity in public administration.
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