Former FNPF GM released on bail

The former General Manager of the Fiji National Provident Fund Olota Rokovunisei was released on bail this afternoon by the Suva High Court.

Rokovunisei was remanded in custody since December last year after he failed to appear in court for a mention.

Concerns were also raised that Rokovunisei changed his address without informing the registry which was one of the bail conditions.

Rokovunisei's lawyer Kafoa Muaror informed the High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar this morning that his client's passport is with the Court registry and that he is not at a flight risk.

He also told the court that his client has always attended court hearing's except on 30th November due to a misunderstanding for which a bench warrant was issued.

Muaror also informed the court that his client did not inform the registry of his change in residential address was that he was awaiting settlement of the sale of his residential property in Pacific Harbor before he was going to inform the court of the change in address.

Justice Goundar while granting bail said that while the accused's non appearance could be excused for a misunderstanding, there could not be a misunderstanding regarding the bail condition on the change of his residential address.

Justice Goundar also said that Rokovunisei is a highly qualified person and that his explanation for changing his address without informing the court is unsatisfactory and that he had breached his bail.

However Justice Goundar said that previously Rokovunisei was released on bail in his own recognizance and because of the breach of bail, he ordered that Rokovunisei to be released on bail in the sum of $2000 cash with one surety.

Olota Rokovunisei is charged with abuse of office.

The case will now be called on 1st of next month.


Story by: Praneeta Deo