The case against 6 SODELPA MPs and former FijiFirst MP transferred to the High Court

The case against the six SODELPA parliamentarians and a former FijiFirst parliamentarian has been transferred to the High Court of the Anti-Corruption Division.

FICAC charged SODELPA MPs Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Salote Radrodro, Simione Rasova, Niko Nawaikula, Peceli Vosanibola and Adi Litia Qionibaravi and former FijiFirst MP Vijendra Prakash.

They are each charged with one count each of Giving False Information to a Public Servant and one count each of Obtaining Financial Advantage.

Magistrate Jeremaia Savou transferred the case under Section 191 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.

The six SODELPA MPs and the former FijiFirst MP allegedly claimed a combined total of $186,749.20 in parliamentary allowances that they were not entitled to.

They are alleged to have provided false information to the Acting Secretary-General to the Parliament regarding their permanent place of residence in order to have their allowance claims approved.

Ratu Suliano Matanitobua is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Namosi village, Namosi and allegedly obtained $38,378.22 between August 2019 and April 2020.

Salote Radrodro is alleged to have falsely stated that her permanent place of residence was in Namulomulo village, Nabouwalu, Bua and allegedly obtained $37,920.13 between August 2019 and April 2020.

Vijendra Prakash is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Waidracia, Vunidawa, Nabuni, Naluwai, Naitasiri and allegedly obtained $33,670.00 between August 2019 and March 2020.

Simione Rasova is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Nasenivolau, Nabouwalu village, Ono, Kadavu and allegedly obtained $21,350 between July 2019 and April 2020.

Niko Nawaikula is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Buca village, Buca Bay and allegedly obtained $20,201.35 between August 2019 and April 2020.

Peceli Vosanibola is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Navuloa village, Bureta, Ovalau, Lomaiviti and allegedly obtained $19,749.50 between August 2019 and March 2020.

Adi Litia Qionibaravi is alleged to have falsely stated that her permanent place of residence was in Ucunivanua, Verata, Tailevu and allegedly obtained $15,480 between August 2019 and April 2020.

They are now required to appear in the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court on the 3rd of next month.