The Suva Magistrates Court has determined that Afrana Nisha, a former secretary at the Independent Legal Services Commission, has a case to answer regarding corruption-related charges exceeding $27,000. Facing a total of ten counts—seven for falsification of documents and three for obtaining a financial advantage—Nisha’s alleged offenses occurred between July 2012 and November 2014.
The charges detail that Nisha purportedly forged cheques by imitating the signatures of notable figures, including former Solicitor General Sharvada Sharma and lawyer Ana Tuiketei, with the intent to list herself and lawyer Paul Madigan as beneficiaries, thereby unlawfully securing financial gains. One significant incident involves her allegedly fabricating a cheque for $2,537.44, which she directed an acquaintance, Vandana Raj, to cash before taking the money for herself.
During the proceedings, Resident Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne remarked on the testimony provided by Sharma, Tuiketei, and Madigan, who all denied any knowledge or benefit from the cheques in question. Additionally, bank records corroborated that funds associated with these cheques were withdrawn from the Independent Legal Services Commission account. Raj further testified that she acted solely on Nisha’s instructions, stating that she returned all funds to her.
In light of the evidence presented, Magistrate Somaratne dismissed the defense’s claim of no case to answer, underscoring the credibility of the prosecution’s evidence across all charges against Nisha.
The ongoing judicial developments reflect Fiji’s growing commitment to tackling corruption within its public service. Similar recent cases, such as that of former officials facing charges of misconduct, demonstrate a concerted effort to uphold ethical standards and accountability. In a broader view, such actions signify a hopeful trajectory toward enhanced governance and trust between the public and governmental institutions, with the legal process serving as a proactive measure against future corrupt practices.