FICAC bid to vacate FBC trial rejected
Trial of former FBC CEO Riyas Sayed-Khaiyum and CFO Viilesh Sagar to begin tomorrow
Tuesday 25 August 2026 | 12:00
Updated 25 August 2026 | 13:31 FJT
Former Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) Chief Executive Officer Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum (left) and Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar.
Photos: Ronald Kumar
The Suva Magistrate Court has rejected the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption’s application to vacate the trial against a former and a current senior official of the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC).
Today was supposed to be the first day of the trial against former FBC chief executive officer Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and its current chief financial officer, Viilesh Sagar.
FICAC senior lawyer Stefano Komaibaba had sought to have the trial vacated because two of its crucial witnesses had migrated overseas.
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Mr Komaibaba told the court they needed to re-strategise and that proceeding would prejudice their case.
The court dismissed the application, citing an earlier proceeding where FICAC had assured the court of its readiness for trial.
Both defence lawyers also opposed FICAC’s application, saying the matter was more than two years old and that they had complied with all bail conditions.
After submissions from both defence lawyers, the court gave its ruling pursuant to Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
The trial will begin tomorrow, with FICAC expected to present three of its four witnesses.
