FICAC closes complaint against Acting DPP, Deputy DPP and Chief Justice

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has closed a complaint against Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku and Chief Justice Salesi Temo after concluding there was insufficient evidence to begin a formal corruption investigation.

In a statement, FICAC said it had completed a preliminary assessment to determine whether the complaint disclosed a sufficient basis to commence an investigation within its statutory mandate.

As part of that assessment, the commission confirmed that a signed written legal opinion by Ian Lloyd KC exists with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

FICAC said its verification was limited to confirming the existence of the legal opinion and that it could not disclose or comment on its contents.

After reviewing the material available, the commission concluded there was not enough evidence to justify a formal corruption investigation against any of the three officials.

"The complaint file has therefore been closed," FICAC said.

The commission stressed that the decision was a threshold assessment confined to its criminal corruption mandate.

"It is not a finding concerning the complainant's broader allegations, her motive or Visa status."

FICAC said the decision should not be interpreted as determining any matter outside its statutory jurisdiction.

The commission said it would make no further comment on the complaint or the legal opinion.