The Suva Magistrates Court has convicted Ifrana Nisha, the former secretary of the Independent Legal Services Commission (ILSC), on multiple charges related to corruption. Resident Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne delivered the verdict, finding Nisha guilty of seven counts of Falsification of Documents and two counts of Obtaining a Financial Advantage, while she was acquitted of one similar charge.
The case, which spanned the period between July 2012 and November 2014, revealed that Nisha manipulated official documents to forge the signatures of former Solicitor-General Sharvada Sharma and attorney Ana Tuiketei. She illicitly positioned both herself and ILSC Commissioner Paul Madigan as payees to secure unauthorized funds.
One significant instance highlighted in the trial involved a forged cheque amounting to $3,450. Nisha arranged for this cheque to be cashed by an ILSC receptionist, Vandana Raj, under false pretenses, leading her to believe it was legitimate. During the court proceedings, both Mr. Sharma and Ms. Tuiketei testified against Nisha, asserting their lack of involvement and stating they had not benefited from the fraudulent cheques.
The prosecution bolstered their case with substantial evidence, including bank records and witness testimonies. Raj confirmed that she followed Nisha’s directives and handed over the cashed amounts to her. The court noted that Nisha had sole control over the cheque books and that her actions were not influenced or condoned by Mr. Madigan or Ms. Tuiketei.
Magistrate Somaratne expressed confidence in the evidence presented, which led to Nisha’s conviction. The case has been adjourned for further proceedings set for February 13, 2026. This outcome represents a decisive action against corruption within public service, emphasizing the critical need for accountability in the handling of public funds. Such legal measures serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity in government institutions and the rule of law.