Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has charged a former treasurer for the Namosi Provincial Council (NPC) with corruption related offences involving nearly $2000.
Rigieta Naicovi has been charged with two counts of Obtaining Financial Advantage and one count of General Dishonesty – Causing a Loss.
For the count of Obtaining Financial Advantage, it is alleged that on or about 3 June 2015 in the Central Division; Naicovi forged signatures on the Sitting Allowance List for the Namosi Provincial Council Meeting, and as a result obtained a financial advantaged amounting to FJD$90 from NPC, knowing that
she was not eligible to receive the said financial advantage.
On the second count of Obtaining Financial Advantage, it is alleged on or about 20 November 2015 in the Central Division; Naicovi forged signatures on the Sitting
Allowance List for the NPC Meeting, and as a result obtained a financial advantage amounting to FJD$300 from the NPC,
knowing that she was not eligible to receive the said financial advantage.
In relation to the third count of General Dishonesty – Causing A Loss; it is alleged between 01 October 2016 and 7 February 2017 in the Central Division, dishonestly
caused a loss to the Wainilotulevu Villages who are members of the NPC by misappropriating the Wainilotulevu Villagers fundraising funds
amounting to FJD$1,500 whilst knowing that the loss would occur or that there was a substantial risk that the loss would occur to the Wainilotulevu villagers.
He appeared before a magistrates court in Suva this week where she was served the first phase of disclosures.
Resident Magisrate Jeremaia Savou granted non cash bail of $1000 for Naicovi and she was ordered her not to re-offend whilst on bail. She was also ordered to report to the Korovou Police Station beginning from 22 December and every fortnight thereafter. Naicovi has been ordered not to interfere with state witnesses.
The matter has been adjourned to 10 January 2022.
