Suspended Corrections Commissioner Sevuloni Naucukidi has been acquitted of a criminal intimidation charge by the Suva Magistrates Court this afternoon.

The decision follows confirmation by the State prosecution that the complainant had indicated, about a week ago, his intention to withdraw the complaint and reconcile with the suspended Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner.

Naucukidi was charged in August last year.

State lawyer Sadaf Shameem told the court that the complainant had indirectly approached the accused through a family friend, expressing his desire to reconcile the matter.

When questioned by Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne on whether there was any possibility of the accused being charged again, the State submitted that there were only “slim chances” of this occurring.

The court also heard that the complainant maintains his intention to withdraw the matter and pursue reconciliation.

However, defence counsel Barbara Malimali challenged the State’s position, telling the court it was unusual for charges to be withdrawn under such circumstances, and disputed the claim that any reconciliation had taken place.

Despite this, the defence did not oppose the withdrawal of charges, while urging the court to consider a balanced approach in the best interest of both the State and the accused.

Malimali further submitted that Naucukidi had been subjected to public scrutiny since the alleged incident, which involved a voice recording circulating on social media.

She said the suspended Commissioner had suffered significant personal and professional consequences, including loss of employment, reputational damage, and financial stress, including risk to his mortgaged home.

The defence also noted the prosecution’s submission that there were “slim chances” of future charges, arguing this did not provide full certainty and therefore supported an acquittal.

Malimali told the court the matter had caused severe emotional and financial distress to her client, who had already expended significant time and resources in his defence.

She commended the State for what she described as a proactive approach in resolving the matter.

After hearing submissions from both sides, the court granted consent for the withdrawal of charges, resulting in Naucukidi’s acquittal.

Both parties have 28 days within which to appeal the ruling.