The legal fees case against former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and current Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar has been closed after FICAC lawyer Setefano Koroibaba confirmed that they will discontinue the case in the Suva Magistrates Court today.
Koroibaba informed the court that the nolle prosequi was filed because two crucial witnesses are no longer available after going overseas.
Magistrate Charles Ratakele informed Sayed-Khaiyum and Sagar that the case had now been closed.
Speaking to the media outside the court, Sayed-Khaiyum thanked God and said that good sense has prevailed.
He says the whole case was very frivolous from the start and hopes that good sense prevails in his next case as well.
He further says the case has put his family through a lot of trauma and hurt and he is glad that the case is now over.
The former CEO adds that this case was a waste of time, resources and money not only for him but for the taxpayers as well.
Meanwhile, Sagar says integrity has kept him motivated amid all criticisms.
He has thanked his families and friends for their continued support.
Sayed-Khaiyum was charged with one count of abuse of office for gain and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss.
It was alleged that between 2017 and 2024, he pursued five legal cases without Board approval, resulting in a loss of $138,813.37.
Sagar faced one count of general dishonesty causing a loss for allegedly approving payments totalling $15,075.88 to R Patel Lawyers without Board approval in 2023.
