Press Release

Court Rules Rasova Has A Case To Answers

Posted by Media Team 11 February 2026

The Suva Magistrates Court has ruled that former Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) Member of Parliament, Simione Rasova, has a case to answer in relation to corruption-related charges.

Mr Rasova is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption with 1 count of Giving False Information to a Public Servant and 1 count of Obtaining a Financial Advantage.

It is alleged that on 14 February 2019, he provided false information to the Acting Secretary-General to Parliament regarding his permanent place of residence, claiming it to be Nasenivolau, Nabouwalu Village, Ono, Kadavu, in order to obtain allowance payments amounting to $21,350.

The ruling was delivered today by Resident Magistrate Joseph Daurewa, who stated that there is relevant and admissible evidence implicating the accused in respect of all elements of the charges.

The Court found that Mr Rasova’s identity was not in dispute and that witnesses had clearly identified him.

Resident Magistrate Daurewa further noted that the alleged false information concerned Mr Rasova’s declared permanent address in Nabouwalu, Ono, Kadavu, while evidence indicated that he resided at 208 Waimanu Road, Suva.

The Court held that, taking the prosecution’s case at its highest, a reasonable tribunal could convict.

Accordingly, the Court ruled that a case to answer has been sufficiently established, requiring the accused to enter his defence.

Mr Rasova has 28 days to appeal the ruling.

The matter has been adjourned to 24 March 2026 for mention to confirm whether the defence will lodge an appeal.