NATION | NEWS

Former SODELPA Parliamentarian And Lawyer Niko Nawaikula Will Spend 24 months In Prison.

Nawaikula has been handed a total of 36 months imprisonment out of which 24 months is to be served with a non-parole period of 18 months while the remaining 12 months has been suspended for a period of 5 years.
20 May 2022 12:06
Former SODELPA Parliamentarian And Lawyer Niko Nawaikula Will Spend 24 months In Prison.
Niko Nawaikula. Photo: From File.

Nawaikula has been handed a total of 36 months imprisonment out of which 24 months is to be served with a non-parole period of 18 months while the remaining 12 months has been suspended for a period of 5 years.

Nawaikula stands convicted for a count of obtaining financial advantage and of giving false information to a public servant.

Nawaikula was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with the allegations to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Buca village, Buca Bay, and allegedly obtained $20,201.35 between August 2019 and April 2020.

 

The court had ruled that Nawaikula breached the Parliamentary Remuneration Act of 2014 when he claimed travel and accommodation allowances, which he was not entitled to.

Anti-Corruption High Court Judge Justice Thushara Kumarage has warned Nawaikula that if he he committed any crime punishable by imprisonment during the time of 5 years suspended period, Nawaikula would be liable to be charged and prosecuted.

He further said that Nawaikula has breached the trust of his voters, members of the public in general by committing the offences.

He said Nawaikula’s conduct had caused a reputation all damage to the Parliament of Fiji and Parliamentarians.

 

Feedback: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj



Got A News Tip


Get updates from the Fiji Sun, handpicked and delivered to your inbox.


By entering your email address you're giving us permission to send you news and offers. You can opt-out at any time.


Sunquick
For All Fiji Sun Advertising
Fijisun E-edition
Subscribe-to-Newspaper