Two Police officers and a businessman facing bribery related charges and abuse of office were released on strict bail conditions by the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

Corporal Samuela Dakuitoga, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ifereimi Savou and businessman Bharat Jogia appeared before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne.

They were charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

Dakuitoga is charged with two counts of bribery, Savou is charged with one count of abuse of office while businessman, Jogia is charged with one count of bribery.

FICAC lawyer Sam Savumiramira confirmed serving the first phase of disclosures.

It is alleged that on September 5 and December 4 last year in Suva, Jogia offered Dakuitoga an advantage in a form of a return air ticket from Suva to Labasa and accommodation at a hotel in Labasa at a total of $383.

Dakuitoga, while being employed in the public service as a Corporal of the Fiji Police Force, without lawful authority allegedly solicited from a Prakash Chand Kayal the sum of $200 and $100 respectively in cash.

ASP Savou allegedly did an arbitrary act by approving private funds from Jogia to conduct a Police investigation which was an act prejudicial to the rights of the Fiji Police Force.

All three accused, have been released on a $1000 bond and were required a surety each.

They were also ordered to surrender their travel documents and report to FICAC office on the last Friday of every month.

The matter has been adjourned to February 18 for pleas to be taken.

Edited by Filipe Naigulevu

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