A man accused of causing over a million dollars in damage in a fire at Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute has been granted bail, with conditions including staying away from a friend he allegedly confessed to.
Emosi Tikoicina, the accused, was also told to stay away from the school as part of the bail conditions set by High Court Judge Justice Rajasinghe.
During today’s hearing, Tikoicina was released on a $500 cash bail, with his father and cousin serving as his sureties.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge of arson, which alleges that on April 7, 2024, he set fire to the Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute in Nausori. The blaze destroyed the main office, staff room, classrooms, administration areas, machinery, and vehicles, with damages estimated to be over a million dollars.
State Counsel Zenith Zunaid did not object to the bail request. Tikoicina is represented by Ravu from the Legal Aid Commission.
The case is scheduled to return to court on September 30 at 9:30 am for a pre-trial conference.
