Prasad seeks High Court stay on FICAC case

The lawyer of former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad will be filing an application to have his case stayed at the High Court questioning the credibility of the case filed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

Supporters crowded the Suva Magistrate Court this morning anticipating Prasad's first call before Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad.

Prasad faces one count of failure to comply with statutory disclosure requirements and providing false information in a statutory declaration.

It was alleged that on December 30, 2015, being an office holder at the registered National Federation Party under the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013, allegedly failed to comply with Section 24(1)(b)(iv) by omitting to declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts Pte Limited in his annual declaration of assets, liabilities, and income submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties.

He is also alleged to have recklessly submitted a declaration omitting his directorship, which rendered it materially false.

In this application, senior lawyer at Munro Leys Lawyers, Richard Naidu argued against the:

• Validity of the appointment of Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika
• Procedural correctness of the investigation
• Basis of charge
• Prejudicial delay since the matter is a 2015 case.

The court has confirmed it will continue with the matter while they pursue that application.

Meanwhile, Prasad was granted bail on a $10,000 non-cash bond and remains subject to standard bail conditions. 

The court also imposed a specific travel requirement: 

• Prasad must formally notify FICAC and the court in writing at least seven days before leaving the country. 
• FICAC told the court that the accused is not considered a flight risk and raised no objections to the two sureties who stood for him.

The matter has been adjourned to December 8, 2025 where he is expected to take his plea.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj