Former MP Vosanibola has case to answer in FICAC matter

Former Member of Parliament Peceli Vosanibola has been ordered to enter his defence after the Suva Magistrate Court ruled there was sufficient evidence for the case against him to continue.

The ruling followed Vosanibola's no-case-to-answer application, in which he sought to have the charges dismissed.

Resident Magistrate Joseph Daurewa found that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence on all elements of the two charges laid by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Vosanibola is charged with one count of providing false information to a public servant and one count of obtaining a financial advantage.

The charges relate to allegations that on January 29, 2019, he falsely declared to the then Acting Secretary-General to Parliament, Viniana Namosimalua, that his permanent place of residence was Navuloa Village in Bureta, Ovalau.

It is further alleged that between August 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, he unlawfully obtained $19,749.50 in parliamentary allowances by claiming he lived in Ovalau while allegedly residing in Nadera, Nasinu.

Following the ruling, Magistrate Daurewa informed Vosanibola of his legal rights, including the option to remain silent, give evidence under oath or call witnesses in his defence.

The matter has been adjourned to August 28, when Vosanibola is expected to advise the court how he intends to proceed with his defence.

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