The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) announced that no further disclosures will be made regarding the case of two men accused of defrauding the Nasinu Town Council of over $370,000 until statements from critical state witnesses are finalized. This update came from prosecution lawyer Nimisha Shankar during a court session with Judge Usaia Ratuvili at the Suva High Court.
The individuals involved, former Nasinu Town Council IT officer Pauliasi Bainivalu and former Innovation Technology employee Shiu Raman, are facing numerous charges related to the alleged fraudulent activities. Bainivalu is accused of soliciting approximately $116,177 and accepting bribes totaling $57,427.40 from various companies during the period from 2014 to 2019. On the other hand, Raman faces charges of conspiracy to defraud and bribery, among others, including allegedly offering Bainivalu a bribe of $2,066 to contribute to these offenses.
Shankar emphasized that the state cannot advance with additional disclosures until the testimony from key witness Razia Bibi, the former director of Innovation Technology, is obtained. The court has accepted this recommendation and has postponed the plea proceedings, with bail for both accused extended. The next court date is set for December 12.
This case exemplifies important efforts to maintain accountability within public institutions, highlighting the commitment of legal authorities to address issues of corruption rigorously. As the legal process unfolds, there is hope that justice will prevail, encouraging a culture of transparency and ethical conduct in governance.
Leave a comment