Court rejects bid to remove Chief Justice from Khaiyum–Saneem Trial
Chief Justice Temo ruled that his written decision on the matter would be delivered after the trial.
Tuesday 16 September 2025 | 02:00
Former supervisor of elections Mohammed Saneem and Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum in court.
Ronald Kumar
The High Court in Suva has dismissed an application by the defence seeking the recusal of Chief Justice Salesi Temo from presiding over the trial of former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces charges of abuse of office and obstructing the course of justice in relation to his signing of a Deed of Variation and Addendum on behalf of the government and Saneem in 2021.
Saneem has been charged with receiving a corrupt benefit of $55,944.03 arising from the same transaction.
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The defence application, filed yesterday, was heard this afternoon with both sides making submissions.
Chief Justice Temo ruled that his written decision on the matter would be delivered after the trial.
The case has been adjourned to tomorrow, with the State expected to finalise agreed facts before calling its first three witnesses.
The first to take the stand will be Acting Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa.
More details will feature in tomorrow’s paper.
