Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum charged with abuse of office

Former Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has been charged with one count of abuse of office.

Police Chief of Intelligence and Investigations, ACP Sakeo Raikaci says the charge sanctioned by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions relates to a report lodged by the Acting Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa.

Sayed-Khaiyum was kept in custody last night and he will be produced in the Suva Magistrates Court today.

ACP Raikaci says Police would like to again call for patience with regards to the conduct of investigations of these high profile cases.

He says the complex nature of the reports determines the course of investigations which have no pre-determined timelines.

ACP Raikaci says the investigators need time to gather evidence and statements, and rushing the investigation process could hinder the prosecution outcome.

He stresses that the CID Special Taskforce headed by the Director of CID is independent and does not take any directive from any other senior police officer, nor is the conduct of investigation influenced by any individual from outside the organisation.

ACP Raikaci says the special taskforce reports directly to his office and he has full confidence in their ability to conduct their work according to the law. He further says anyone who has a genuine concern in the manner that the investigations are being conducted is welcome to lodge and official complaint with the Internal Affairs Unit.

We have also asked for the progress of other investigations relating to Sayed-Khaiyum. Police are yet to respond.