Former Ministry of Works, Transport and Public Utilities Media Liaison Officer Sainiana Waqainabete has chosen to exercise her right to remain silent.

This was the indication by her lawyer Filimoni Vosarogo when questioned by Suva Magistrate Waleen George in court yesterday.

Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC) lawyer Sam Savumiramira appeared for the prosecution.

Defence counsel Mr Vosarogo informed the court that they would not call any witnesses and proceed to filing closing submissions.

Accordingly, Magistrate George requested both parties to file their written submissions by April 27, 2018.

Waqainabete’s bail was extended and the case was adjourned to May 21, 2018 for hearing on closing submissions.

Waqainabete is charged with nine counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception.

She is alleged to have falsely stated on different occasions that the Minister for Works, Transport and Public Utilities had requested money for various functions of the Ministry.

In the process she allegedly dishonestly obtained a total financial advantage of $4760.

The offences were allegedly committed between 22 May, 2010 to 2 June 2011.

Edited by George Kulamaiwasa

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