Lawyer Barbara Malimali made a verbal application, asking for a transfer out of Justice Salesi Temo’s court to Justice Daniel Goundar.

She is representing two men accused of murder and says the wife of one of them is from the same village as Justice Temo.

Justice Temo is away on leave and his cases were called before Justice Goundar. He informed Ms Malimali that a decision would be made on whether the case is transferred out of Justice Temo’s court, after he returns from leave.

Apisai Lomani Junior, 41, and Leone Naisake, 26, are charged with one count of murder of a 36-year-old man. The alleged incident occurred in Kadavu on December 26, 2018.

Justice Goundar also informed Ms Malimali to make a formal bail application for the accused persons.

State counsel Swastika Sharma had sought for 21 days to file information and disclosures.

The two men were remanded in custody and the matter was adjourned for plea to February 26.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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