News

Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica granted bail

Posted by Media Team 24 October 2025

The Suva Magistrates Court this afternoon granted bail to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Honourable Manoa Kamikamica.

This was Honourable Kamikamica’s first court appearance, following the initial hearing on Wednesday, 22 October 2025. The accused was absent at that time as he was overseas on official duties.

Honourable Kamikamica is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) 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, Honourable Kamikamica 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).

The charges were read and understood by the accused in court.

FICAC Principal State Counsel, Ms. Lilian Mausio, informed the court that the prosecution did not object to bail but requested that strict bail conditions be imposed.

Defence Counsel, Mr. Wylie Clarke, sought for bail to be dispensed with, however, Ms. Mausio objected, stating that under the Bail Act, dispensation only applies when the offence does not carry a term of imprisonment.

Resident Magistrate Charles Ratakele then formally granted bail with a $10,000 bond, requiring Honourable Kamikamica to provide two sureties and not to reoffend.

Mr. Clarke also informed the court that the defence intends to file an application for a Permanent Stay in the High Court and requested 28 days before the next mention to prepare the application.

The matter has been adjourned to 28 November 2025 for mention.