The judicial review brought by Fijian and British citizen Charlie Charters against Acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika and her illegal appointment will be called on 4th November in the Suva High Court to fix a hearing date.
Charters claims that the Prime Minister's advice and the President's appointment of Rokoika in May 2025 were unlawful and ultra vires (beyond legal authority), arguing that recommendation power rests solely with the Judicial Services Commission after consulting the Attorney-General.
He says because of the alleged unlawful appointment, a Stop Departure Order issued against him on February 21st, 2026, and criminal charges sanctioned by Rokoika on February 23rd, 2026, were void of legal authority.
Charters is claiming special, general, vindicatory, aggravated, and exemplary damages against FICAC and Rokoika (representing the State) for alleged false imprisonment following his 48-hour detention from February 21st to 23rd, misfeasance in public office, and constitutional breaches under Sections 13 and 17 of the Fiji Constitution.
The respondents are the President, Prime Minister, Attorney-General, Lavi Rokoika, and FICAC, with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) listed as an interested party.
Seforan Fatiaki represented Charters, Susan Serukai for FICAC, while Geraldine Naigulevu represented the other respondents.
