Rokoika: Extradition process not in FICAC’s hands

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) cannot proceed with extraditing former Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde without assistance from the Attorney General’s Office and foreign counterparts.

Acting Commissioner Lavi Rokoika was responding to questions about Mr Pryde’s case during an end-of-year press briefing.

FICAC attempted to personally serve Mr Pryde in New Zealand, but he was not at his residence.

Ms Rokoika said the extradition process involves stakeholders beyond FICAC’s control.

“For the extradition process, the Mutual Legal Assistance Act comes into play. We cannot do it without the Office of the Attorney General.

“And there are stakeholders involved from outside of Fiji and it is beyond our control when we are dealing with outside counterparts,” she said.

Ms Rokoika said the matter was currently before the courts and FICAC is hoping to have it dealt with as soon as possible.

“There are two options there. It’s either we use the MLA option, Mutual Legal Assistance option, or we don’t. So we set it ourselves,” she said.

She declined to provide further details, saying commenting on matters before the court could prejudice proceedings.

Mr Pryde faces three sets of charges linked to alleged financial misconduct during his time as DPP, including abuse of office and causing financial loss.

The case has been adjourned to March 27, 2025.