Epeli Laqeni, a former corrections officer accused of murdering his de facto partner in Nakasi last year, has been granted bail by the Suva High Court. Justice Usaia Ratuvili presided over the case and considered the arguments presented by both the state and defense counsel before making the decision.
Laqeni’s legal team argued that their client urgently requires surgery, which may lead to permanent disability if not addressed promptly. Despite the defense’s appeal, the state counsel raised strong objections to the bail request.
In issuing the bail, Justice Ratuvili noted Laqeni’s lack of a prior criminal history, emphasizing that this is his first offense. The court released him on a non-cash bail of $5000, supported by two sureties. Laqeni is required to report weekly to the Valelevu Police Station every Sunday and is prohibited from entering Nakasi. Additionally, a stop departure order has been placed on him and his sureties.
The case has been adjourned and is scheduled for a hearing on March 24. Laqeni faces a charge of murder, with allegations stating that he killed his partner between September 3 and September 5 of last year. He was taken into custody on September 5 and later admitted to CWM Hospital for injuries he reportedly sustained during the incident.
The legal proceedings will continue, and the situation remains closely monitored as the court awaits further developments.
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