The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) will not release additional disclosures in the case of two men accused of defrauding the Nasinu Town Council of over $370,000 until statements from state witnesses have been completed.

Prosecution lawyer Nimisha Shankar made this statement during a court appearance before Suva High Court Judge Justice Usaia Ratuvili.

The accused, former Nasinu Town Council IT officer Pauliasi Bainivalu and former Innovation Technology employee Shiu Raman, face multiple charges related to the alleged fraud.

Mr. Bainivalu is accused of soliciting $116,177 and accepting $57,427.40 in bribes from various companies between 2014 and 2019. Meanwhile, Mr. Raman is charged with conspiracy to defraud, obtaining a gain, bribery, general dishonesty causing a loss, and destruction of evidence. He also allegedly offered a $2066 bribe to Mr Bainivalu to facilitate the offences.

Ms. Shankar informed the court that the state’s request for further disclosures could not proceed until the statement of key state witness, former Innovation Technology director Razia Bibi, is recorded.

The court granted her request to defer the plea further, and bail for both accused was extended.

The case has been adjourned to December 12.