Press Release
High Court Hears Kamikamica Stay Bid in Perjury Case
Posted by Media Team 3 December 2025
Member of Parliament, Manoa Kamikamica appeared in the Suva High Court this morning as his counsel, Wylie Clarke, filed an application to stay proceedings.
The application challenges the validity of the appointment of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Acting Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika, and further claims that there is insufficient evidence to proceed with the charges against Mr. Kamikamica.
Mr. Kamikamica is charged by FICAC with one count of Perjury, contrary to Section 17(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 he had no involvement in the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner.
In the alternative, he is charged with 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 Commission of Inquiry.
The matter was called before Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull this morning.
Mr. Clarke informed the Court that counsel for former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has also filed a similar application after being charged by FICAC last month for Failure to Comply with Statutory Disclosure Requirements.
Mr. Clarke suggested that both matters be heard together, given that King’s Counsel will be representing both defendants.
He further argued that any act by the FICAC Acting Commissioner is null and void as the Judicial Services Commission was not involved in her appointment.
In response, Acting Commissioner Rokoika informed the Court that FICAC is moving to engage independent counsel, given that the allegations have been directed at her in her official capacity as Acting Commissioner and as private counsel.
She highlighted that two issues are raised in the Motion.
One concerns the legality, or otherwise, of her appointment, which she described as a constitutional redress application masquerading in the form of a criminal stay, and she proposed that an affidavit addressing this initial issue may be filed.
Regarding the second issue, Ms. Rokoika noted it relates to evidential sufficiency, which could be addressed during the Magistrates Court proceedings at the end of the prosecution (no case to answer) or through the legal appeal process.
The applicants indicated that they needed time to ascertain whether any further affidavits would be filed, and on this basis, the matter has been adjourned to Wednesday, 10 December 2025, for timetabling.
The Commission was represented by Ms. Rokoika and Ms. Maimoa Kabu.
