State opposes bail for alleged principal offender

A Nadi man and a TikToker charged with murder has been further remanded in custody, while two co-accused have been granted bail by the High Court in Lautoka.

Tiktoker Paula Caginicolo appeared before Justice Aruna Aluthge today alongside co-accused Meli Bavesi, Suliasi Naikaimuri and Josivini Naisaucou.

The four are jointly charged with the murder of Vilikesa Naicaba, who allegedly died following an incident at Wairabetia in Lautoka on May 14, 2026.

The court heard the accused and the deceased were allegedly attending a drinking gathering when an argument escalated into a physical altercation.

It is alleged Caginicolo struck the deceased several times with a piece of timber, causing injuries that resulted in his death.

Caginicolo was represented by Salvin Nand of S. Nand Lawyers, while the remaining three accused were represented by Legal Aid. The State was represented by Director of Public Prosecutions counsel Michelle Lomaloma.

The defence submitted that Bavesi and Naikaimuri had no previous convictions, as outlined in affidavits filed before the court.

During the bail hearing, the court considered the risk of the accused returning to the community and the possibility of interference with witnesses. It was noted that the accused and the deceased were known to one another.

Ms Lomaloma opposed bail for Caginicolo, submitting that, based on the State's case, he was the principal offender. She told the court the remaining three accused were alleged to have been bystanders during the incident.

Justice Aluthge granted bail to Bavesi and Naikaimuri under strict conditions.

Naisaucou was remanded in custody after Legal Aid sought additional time to file supporting documents. His bail application has been adjourned to July 22.

Caginicolo's bail application was also adjourned. Justice Aluthge extended his remand until Friday, when the hearing will continue.