The Suva Magistrates Court has ruled that Afrana Nisha, a former secretary at the Independent Legal Services Commission, has a case to answer concerning corruption charges that exceed $27,000. Nisha faces a total of ten counts—seven for document falsification and three for obtaining a financial advantage—stemming from alleged offenses committed between July 2012 and November 2014.
The allegations include the forgery of cheques, wherein Nisha is claimed to have imitated the signatures of prominent figures, such as former Solicitor General Sharvada Sharma and lawyer Ana Tuiketei. The intention behind these actions was reportedly to list herself and lawyer Paul Madigan as beneficiaries, thereby illicitly acquiring financial gain. A key incident involves Nisha allegedly fabricating a cheque for $2,537.44, which she directed an acquaintance, Vandana Raj, to cash, ultimately taking the money for herself.
During the court proceedings, Resident Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne highlighted the testimonies of Sharma, Tuiketei, and Madigan, all of whom denied any knowledge of or benefit from the cheques in question. Supporting evidence was provided through bank records indicating that funds linked to these cheques were withdrawn from the Independent Legal Services Commission account. Raj confirmed that she acted solely on Nisha’s instructions and stated 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, affirming the credibility of the prosecution’s evidence against Nisha on all accounts.
These judicial proceedings reflect Fiji’s increasing commitment to combating corruption within its public sector. Recent similar cases involving former officials charged with misconduct highlight the nation’s dedication to upholding ethical standards and accountability. This concerted effort signals a hopeful path towards improved governance and restored trust between the public and governmental institutions, with the legal process acting as a proactive measure against future corrupt practices.