Trial for Former SODELPA Member Begins Next Week
It is alleged that between August 2019 and March 2020, Vosanibola falsely stated that his permanent residence was in Navuloa Village, Bureta in Ovalau, Lomaiviti, and obtaining $19,749.50
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | 14:45
Former Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) member, Peceli Vosanibola and FICAC lawyer, Joseph Work (right) with a witness outside the Suva Magistrate’s Court on May 14, 2024. Photo: Beranadeta Nagatalevu
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) needs more time to assemble all 15 witnesses for the trial against former Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) member, Peceli Vosanibola.
Vosanibola appeared before Magistrate Pulekeria Low at the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday for charges of abuse of office.
He faces one count each of giving false information and obtaining financial advantage.
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It is alleged that between August 2019 and March 2020, Vosanibola falsely stated that his permanent residence was in Navuloa Village, Bureta in Ovalau, Lomaiviti, and obtaining $19,749.50.
It is alleged that he breached the Parliamentary Remuneration Act 2014 when he claimed travel and accommodation allowances, which he was not entitled to. FICAC lawyer Joseph Work filed an application to adjourn the three-week trial date to next week.
Mr Work informed the court that they needed more time to locate their witnesses.
Mr Work told the court they did not intend to vacate the trial.
He mentioned they had two witnesses on standby to stand trial. Mr Work said they had filed the summons with the Magistrate Court Registry at the end of April.
Defense lawyer Mesake Waqavanua objected to the application by FICAC.
Mr Waqavanua said they had more than two months to sort themselves.
However, Magistrate Low approved FICAC’s application and adjourned the trial to commence from May 20 - 30.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Low declined the application of the defense to remove the agreed facts filed on October 16, 2023.
The written ruling for both applications will be provided to the two parties today.
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