Renowned felon Jone Vakarisi who allegedly abducted a minor, has been released on bail by the Suva Magistrates Court today.

Vakarisi allegedly committed the offense on a victim below the age of 18 between 12th and 20th August this year.

Vakarisi is charged with one count of abduction of a person under 18 years with intent to have carnal knowledge.

The report was lodged by the 17-year-old victim’s mother.

Vakarisi also claimed that he has presented a ‘tabua’ to the family and that the victim’s mother is willing to take her complaint back.

The police prosecution had objected to bail, saying that the accused had two other pending cases.

The matter was stood down for half an hour as the Magistrate wanted more details in relation to his cases.

When it resumed, the police prosecution informed the court that they wanted Vakarisi remanded for his own safety.

They also confirmed in court that Vakarisi was not in Nabua when the brawl happened on Monday and that police had removed him from his home for his own safety.

However, Vakarisi said that he had gone to the police station voluntarily for his alleged abduction case.

Vakarisi said he would be safe when on bail.

He also informed the court that he has not been vaccinated.

Police also claimed the Nabua brawlers had gone for Vakarisi on Monday; however Vakarisi said he lives in Rewa street and if the brawlers wanted him than they could have gone to his place.

The Magistrate said that there is no reason to remand Vakarisi, however, she warned him that the court will not be responsible if anything happens to him as the police prosecution had asked for him to be remanded.

He has been released on $500 bail with a surety of the same sum.

He has been ordered not to reoffend and to not interfere with the prosecution witness.

The matter has been adjourned until December 3rd.