The High Court has scheduled the hearing dates for the applications seeking a stay in the legal proceedings against former cabinet ministers Manoa Kamikamica and Professor Biman Prasad. The hearings are set to take place from March 18 to March 20, with Kamikamica’s case being addressed first. While Professor Prasad appeared before Judge Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull, Kamikamica was excused from attendance due to health issues.
Both politicians are contesting the appointment of Lavi Rokoika as Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and are seeking to permanently suspend the ongoing criminal proceedings in the lower court. Kamikamica faces charges of perjury and providing false information to a public servant, which relate to statements he allegedly made under oath regarding his non-involvement in the FICAC Commissioner’s appointment.
There are claims that between December 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, in Suva, Kamikamica knowingly made a false statement while asserting he had no connection to the appointment. This false information was reportedly also presented to the Commissioner of Inquiry.
On the other hand, Professor Prasad is charged with failing to meet statutory disclosure requirements, as well as providing false information in a statutory declaration. It is alleged that he did not disclose his directorship in Platinum Hotels and Resorts Pte Limited in his annual declaration of assets, liabilities, and income submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties on or around December 30, 2015, thereby making the declaration materially false.
FICAC is represented by Senior Counsel Joseph Work in the case against Professor Prasad, while Josann Pene is representing Kamikamica. The court has adjourned the case proceedings to February 5 for mention, indicating that further developments are expected in this significant legal matter. This ongoing case highlights the serious implications of compliance with political and legal obligations, reinforcing the necessity for transparency and accountability in public office.
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