FICAC has dismissed the allegations and claims that FICAC officers harassed the 16 year old daughter of People's Alliance Deputy Leader, Lynda Tabuya as false and misleading.
While responding to People’s Alliance Secretary General Sakiasi Ditoka’s comments on the questioning of Lynda Tabuya and the search of her office, FICAC says their officers met Tabuya on 1st December outside FTA Hall at Suva during the Fiji Trades Union Congress Rally and invited her to attend the caution interview.
They say then Tabuya stated that the next day, 2nd December she needed to attend her daughter’s graduation and she will contact the FICAC Officers to avail herself on Friday afternoon after the graduation.
FICAC says she never contacted FICAC Officers on Friday and FICAC learnt that she had travelled to Labasa during the weekend.
They say as such, she did not honour her undertaking.
FICAC further says as publicly known, Tabuya was campaigning in Labasa over the weekend and FICAC did not take her in for questioning as claimed by Ditoka.
FICAC highlighted that, there was no search conducted at her office by FICAC either.
They add they attempted to communicate with her over the weekend but she did not respond.
FICAC says finally, she sent a text message to the Investigating Officer on Monday 5th December.
FICAC also says during their communications with Tabuya, she did not raise any complaint or allegation of any harassment whatsoever.
It adds the investigators treated her and her family members with respect and all communications with them were conducted in a very professional manner.
They say as such, it was Tabuya who requested to come on Tuesday 6th December at 11am for her caution interview and FICAC allowed her request.
It also says it was Tabuya’s own request and arrangement to have the caution interview being conducted on her birthday.
FICAC highlighted that, few weeks ago, FICAC requested Tabuya to come to FICAC to verify some facts.
They say she came voluntarily to FICAC and said “I am here to be arrested” and demanded her own arrest.
FICAC says their officers politely advised her that there was no such necessity as she was cooperating well with the investigators.
FICAC has also clarified that the steps taken to question People’s Alliance Deputy Leader Dan Lobendahn was part of its usual investigation process to provide Lobendahn an opportunity to answer the allegations against him.
They say Lobendahn was treated professionally and with due respect before, during and after the interview adding that the entire interview was video recorded as per the best interview practices.
FICAC reiterates that all processes and procedures under the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Act were followed in a transparent manner and the allegation of harassment encountered by Dan Lobendahn by FICAC is false.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
