Ex-Corrections boss fails to appear in court, case adjourned

Former Acting Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Sevuloni Naucukidi's criminal intimidation case has been adjourned for 14 days.

This is after he failed to appear in court today.

Defence lawyer Samuela Savu told Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne at the Suva Magistrate Court that Naucukidi's absence was due to communication breakdown following the revocation of his acting commissioner status.

Mr Naucukidi was replaced as Acting Commissioner on December 8, 2025, by Deputy Commissioner Auta Moceisuva.

Mr Savu explained their law firm had been closed for two weeks and only reopened today, and they could only reach their client through his official work number, which he no longer has.

The court heard that the pre-trial conference minutes were not ready and both defense lawyers Tanya Waqanika and Mr Savu, along with state prosecutor Lagakali Tavaiqia, agreed to a further seven days to finalise the documents.

Magistrate Somaratne excused Naucukidi's absence but warned he must attend court on January 19 when the matter is next called.

Naucukidi was charged with criminal intimidation in October last year for allegedly threatening a staff member in July. His bail was extended.

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