Press Release

Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Manoa Kamikamica Charged by FICAC

Posted by Media Team 22 October 2025

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) confirms that charges against the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, were formally filed with the Suva Magistrates’ Court Registry on 23 September 2025.

At the time of filing, it was difficult for the Commission to locate the Deputy Prime Minister; therefore, it was decided that he be summoned to appear before the Court rather than be arrested.

Hon. Manoa Kamikamica is charged with one count of Perjury, contrary to section 176(1) of the Crimes Act 2009.

It is alleged that between 1 December 2024 and 31 March 2025 in Suva, he knowingly made a false statement under oath, claiming that he had nothing to do with the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner.

In the alternative, he faces one count of Giving False Information to a Public Servant, contrary to section 201(a) of the Crimes Act 2009, for allegedly providing the same false information to the Commissioner of Inquiry (COI).

Prosecution Counsel Ms. Lilian Mausio informed the court that the Hon. Kamikamica was served with the charging summons on 2 October 2025 and that they had been aware of the upcoming mention for 20 days.

Ms. Mausio also confirmed that the second-phase disclosures were served to the Defence Counsel, Mr Wylie Clark, this morning.

Mr. Clarke stated that the charges are fundamentally flawed due to the appointment of Acting Commissioner Lavi Rokoika.

Ms. Mausio advised the Court that this was not the proper forum to ventilate this issue and that if the defence wishes to challenge the appointment of the Acting Commissioner, they must do so by filing proper applications before the High Court.

Resident Magistrate Charles Ratakele said that the Magistrates’ Court will act on any directions issued by the High Court in that regard.

Ms. Mausio also said that the disclosures are enough to address the lacuna claimed by Mr. Clarke and that if he wished, the Criminal Procedure Act gives the defence leeway to seek further and better particulars from FICAC.

Hon. Kamikamica was not present in Court today when the matter was called.

The Magistrate raised the accused's absence, but was advised that he is currently out of the country. The matter has been adjourned to Friday, 24 October 2025, at 2.30 p.m.

RM. Ratakele has adjourned the matter to Friday, 24 October 2025, at 2.30 pm.