State witness tells court Nawaikula owns a property in Koronivia

The first state witness in the trial of SODELPA MP Niko Nawaikula has told the Suva High Court that Nawaikula is a joint owner of a property in Koronivia, Nausori along with Miliakere Nawaikula.

It is alleged that Nawaikula gave false information to the then Secretary-General to Parliament, Viniana Namosimalua while claiming for parliamentary allowances and obtained more than $20,000 through deception.

He allegedly 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.

Monita Ram who is an executive officer at the Registrar of Titles says Nawaikula acquired the property on 7th April 2003 and transferred the undivided half of the property on 14th December, 2006.

Ram says this was the last transfer.

Nawaikula’s lawyer Sevuloni Valenitabua then asked Ram is it possible for a person to have more than one residence, to which Ram said this is possible.

Valenitabua then asked Ram if she is aware that there are other land lots that are owned by landowning units such as the mataqali and that Naiwaikula is part of that.

Ram said she is not aware of this.

FICAC Deputy Commissioner, Rashmi Aslam has said that Nawaikula has always resided in Koronivia and his permanent residence has never been Buca Village in Buca Bay, Vanua Levu.

Nawaikula is charged with one count of Giving False Information to a Public Servant and one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage. The trial continues in the Suva High Court.

Meanwhile, FICAC has also charged SODELPA MPs Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Salote Radrodro, Simione Rasova, Peceli Vosanibola and Adi Litia Qionibaravi and former FijiFirst MP Vijendra Prakash with a count of Giving False Information to a Public Servant and one count each of Obtaining Financial Advantage.

The trial continues in the High Court.