The Suva Magistrates Court has scheduled trial dates from August 24 to 28, 2025, for Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, the former Chief Executive of the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), and Vimlesh Sagar, the current Chief Financial Officer of the organization. Both individuals appeared in front of Magistrate Charles Ratakele to address accusations of abuse of office and general dishonesty.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces serious charges related to abuse of office for personal benefit, specifically allegations that his actions led to a significant financial loss for FBC. He is accused of initiating five legal cases without the board’s approval between July 2017 and January 2023, leading to incurred expenses reported at $138,813.37. Additionally, he is alleged to have circumvented proper tender procedures in the procurement of a vehicle worth $207,470, further complicating the financial situation of the company.
In a separate but related case, Sagar has been charged with general dishonesty for authorizing a payment of $15,075.88 to R Patel Lawyers in 2023 without obtaining the necessary board consent. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty, maintaining their innocence against the claims.
During the proceedings, defending counsel Gul Fatima, representing Sayed-Khaiyum, highlighted that they could not commit to an earlier trial date due to existing obligations in the high court. The defense also referenced the need for specific disclosures from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), which remain pending, potentially hindering their case preparation. The prosecution has indicated plans to present ten witnesses in the forthcoming trial.
Bail conditions for both defendants remain in effect, with the next court date scheduled for June 18, 2025, to address pre-trial conference matters. This case underscores crucial issues concerning accountability and governance within Fiji’s public service sector, illustrating a commitment to integrity within public institutions. As the trial approaches, there is optimism that the judicial process will shed light on these grave allegations, ultimately contributing to a more robust governance framework in Fiji moving forward.