News

New trial dates to be set in O’Connor and Whippy proceedings

Posted by Media Team 03 August 2026

The Suva Magistrates Court will set a new trial date for the matter involving former National Fire Authority (NFA) Board Chair Mr John O’Connor and Carpenters Fiji Managing Director Mr Daniel Whippy, who are facing corruption-related charges filed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

The matter was initially scheduled for trial from 3 to 20 November 2026.

However, the trial dates were vacated after Resident Magistrate Sufia Hamza informed the Court that she would be attending a judicial workshop from 18 to 20 November 2026.

FICAC State Counsel Ms Sameea Nisa informed the Court that the prosecution would be unable to complete the trial within two weeks, as it intends to call 38 witnesses and proceedings may extend into the third week.

Both defence counsel agreed with the prosecution’s estimation and indicated that they did not wish for the matter to proceed as a part-heard trial.

The matter has been adjourned to 3 September 2026 for all parties to return with proposed dates for a new trial in 2027.

Mr O’Connor faces one count of Abuse of Office, while Mr Whippy faces one count of Counselling for the Omission of the Offence.

Both charges relate to allegations concerning the amendment of a 2018 NFA Fire Investigation Report.