Remand prisoner Niko Talemaitoga

Remand prisoner Niko Talemaitoga who escaped from lawful custody along with four other prisoners has been further remanded by the Suva Magistrates court.

Talemaitoga who is charged with one count each of impersonation and escaping from lawful custody applied for bail when he appeared yesterday before the Suva Magistrates court.

Talemaitoga and four other prisoners escaped from police custody on 27th November.

He allegedly falsely represented himself as Samisoni Bilolevu to Police Inspector Josese Masirewa in order to be bailed.

Masirewa cross-checked with the High Court registry and confirmed that Bilolevu had been granted bail.

Talemaitoga is alleged to have also presented a photo ID and stated he was Bilolevu at the High Court registry where he was issued with a copy of his bail conditions in good faith.

Inspector Masirewa verified the bail conditions and released the twenty-six-year old.

The Inspector later presented the ID to another officer to identify the accused and was told it was the wrong person.

The matter has been adjourned to 31st December.