Mollyn Nakabea 
[Photo: File]
The Suva Magistrates Court has rejected FICAC’s application to vacate the trial of former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar.
FICAC sought to have the trial vacated because two of its crucial witnesses are currently overseas with one in the United States and the other in New Zealand.
FICAC counsel Setefano Komaibaba told the court that subpoenas are not enforceable outside Fiji.
However, Magistrate Ratakele found that FICAC had not explained the difficulties it faced in securing the witnesses’ presence or what efforts had been made to bring them to Fiji.
The court ruled that FICAC had not shown good cause to vacate the trial, which will begin tomorrow.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces charges of abuse of office for gain and general dishonesty causing a loss.
He is accused of pursuing five legal cases without board approval, allegedly resulting in a loss of 138-thousand-813 dollars and 37 cents.
Sagar faces one count of general dishonesty causing a loss.
He is accused of approving payments totalling $15,075.88 to R Patel Lawyers without board approval in 2023.
