The Suva Magistrates Court has established trial dates ranging from August 24 to 28, 2025, for Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, the former Chief Executive of the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), and Vimlesh Sagar, the company’s current Chief Financial Officer. Both men appeared before Magistrate Charles Ratakele for proceedings concerning allegations of abuse of office and general dishonesty.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces charges of abuse of office for personal gain and general dishonesty that allegedly resulted in a financial loss. He is accused of pursuing five legal cases without the board’s approval from July 2017 to January 2023, incurring costs reported at $138,813.37. Additionally, he stands accused of bypassing proper tender processes in a vehicle procurement valued at $207,470, which allegedly further harmed the company’s finances.
On the other hand, Sagar is charged with general dishonesty, specifically for approving a payment of $15,075.88 to R Patel Lawyers without appropriate board authorization in 2023. Both defendants have entered not guilty pleas to these charges, asserting their innocence.
Defending counsel Gul Fatima, representing Sayed-Khaiyum, indicated that they are unable to agree to an earlier trial date due to existing commitments in the high court. The defense also noted the need for specific disclosures from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), which have not yet been fulfilled, affecting the preparation of their case. The prosecution plans to call upon ten witnesses during the upcoming trial.
Bail has been extended for both individuals, with the next court date set for June 18, 2025, to review pre-trial conference matters. The case reflects broader issues of accountability and governance within Fiji’s public service sector and underscores the commitment to ensuring integrity in public institutions. As the trial approaches, there is hope that the judicial process will clarify these serious allegations, fostering a stronger governance framework for the future.