Ex-Acting Fiji Corrections boss acquitted of criminal intimidation charge

Former Acting Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner, Sevuloni Naucukidi, has been acquitted of a criminal intimidation charge.

He appeared before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne at the Suva Magistrate Court.

Naucukidi faced one count of criminal intimidation, stemming from allegations that he threatened a member of his support staff in July last year.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), represented by principal legal officer Sadaf Shameem, filed an application to withdraw the charge after the complainant indicated a willingness to reconcile.

Magistrate Somaratne, however, questioned the basis for the withdrawal, seeking clarification on whether Naucukidi had indirectly approached the complainant through mutual family connections.

The bench raised concerns that such actions could potentially amount to interference with a State prosecution witness.

The State confirmed that the likelihood of Naucukidi being recharged was minimal.

Defence lawyer Barbara Malimali rejected claims of any indirect approach and argued that her client had not interfered with the complainant.

She urged the court to exercise its discretion under Section 163(2)(b)(i) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 to acquit Naucukidi rather than grant a discharge.

Ms Malimali highlighted that Naucukidi had already faced significant consequences, including the loss of his job, public embarrassment, and the risk of losing his mortgaged home.