The Magistrates Court is set to establish a hearing date next month for Sanjay Kaba, the former Director of Telecom Fiji Limited, who is facing charges related to financial misconduct. Kaba appeared in court today before Magistrate Charles Ratakele, where he is charged with one count of obtaining a financial advantage.
During the proceedings, Kaba’s defense attorney, Vasu Pillay, indicated that pre-trial conference minutes and agreed documents had been finalized between the parties involved. Meanwhile, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) lawyer, Nimisha Shankar, requested additional time to file and endorse necessary documents. The court granted the prosecution seven days to complete these filings.
The allegations against Kaba pertain to his tenure as a board member at Telecom Fiji Limited and Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Limited, from January 27, 2017, to January 20, 2019. It is claimed that between June 2022 and July 2023, Kaba unlawfully acquired over $766,327 while bidding for project management services through his company, Houng Lee Kaba Jacob Limited (HLK Jacob). He allegedly failed to disclose his interest as a director of HLK Jacob, rendering the company ineligible for the financial advantage.
The court has adjourned the case until November 7, when it will fix a hearing date. This case highlights the ongoing commitment of FICAC to enhance transparency and accountability in Fiji’s corporate governance. It serves as a critical reminder of the ethical standards expected from individuals in positions of power.
As this legal battle unfolds, there is hope for a resolution that reinforces public trust in governance and upholds ethical practices in corporate leadership. The prosecution aims to call several witnesses in the upcoming trial, which will be pivotal in addressing these serious allegations and determining Kaba’s fate.