Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and others released

Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and others who were taken in for questioning by police on Friday have been released.

This has been confirmed by Police Commisioner Sitiveni Qiliho.

Qliho had earlier highlighted that a team of officers were sent to Bau Island early Friday morning and had taken Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and key players in for questioning after information was received that they were adamant on continuing with the installation ceremony despite the decision made by the Native Lands Commission which was relayed to them.

The installation of the Vunivalu of Bau has been called off after the Native Land Commission found that the protocol had been breached in the selection of the proposed candidate Ratu Epenisa Cakobau.

Chairman of the Native Land Commission, Ratu Sireli Vananalagi Vesikula addressed the media confirming that he had instructed the Police Commissioner to stop the installation in Bau Island which was scheduled to be held on Friday.

Ratu Sireli Vesikula says that Ratu Epenisa’s elder brother Ratu Joji Kadavulevu Cakobau had written to the Native Land Commission to dispute this decision.