Court told Pryde extradition bid still before Acting A-G

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption’s (FICAC) application to have Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde extradited from New Zealand remains pending at the Attorney-General’s office.

Appearing before Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad this morning, FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika sought an adjournment to allow more time to obtain a response from Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga.

Pryde faces one count each of abuse of office, causing a loss, and obtaining a financial advantage.

It is alleged that during his tenure as DPP, Pryde approved and received four gratuity payments amounting to $138,445.05 without the mandatory approvals from the Office of the President and the Judicial Services Commission.

The matter has been adjourned pending advice from the Attorney-General’s office.