Court told accused handled Makoi land dealings, says investigator
Court hears allegation that elderly people were among those targeted in the alleged scheme.
Wednesday 05 August 2026 | 12:00
A police investigating officer told the Suva Magistrate Court this morning that a part-time sports commentator accused in a FICAC land fraud case handled transactions involving Makoi lots and allegedly targeted elderly buyers.
The trial of Ajnal Anal Bhai charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) over the alleged fraudulent sale of land in Makoi continued today.
Bhai appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, where he faces 51 counts of obtaining a financial advantage.
Related stories
FICAC alleges that between May 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020, in the Central Division, Bhai fraudulently sold a piece of land for $106,100.
Fiji Police Force investigating officer Thomas Rokobuli testified that, based on statements obtained during the police investigation, witnesses identified Bhai as the person responsible for dealings involving the lots.
The court heard that Bhai also dealt with some of his relatives in the purchase of lots in the Makoi area.
Mr Rokobuli said that on some occasions Bhai and his son collected money for the purchase of the land. Defence lawyer Mesake Waqavanua objected to the evidence, arguing that the accused's son should not be drawn into the case.
FICAC prosecutor Ravinesh Lal opposed the objection, saying the investigating officer was required to give truthful evidence under oath. Magistrate Prasad overruled the objection.
Mr Rokobuli also told the court that the accused had allegedly targeted elderly people.
Prosecutors later produced a document titled "Nanuku to Makoi", which FICAC said contained the names of people who had purchased lots from Bhai. The trial continues.
