The Magistrates Court is scheduled to set a hearing date next month for Sanjay Kaba, the former Director of Telecom Fiji Limited, who is facing serious charges related to financial misconduct. Kaba made an appearance in court today before Magistrate Charles Ratakele, where he stands accused of one count of obtaining a financial advantage.
During today’s proceedings, Kaba’s defense attorney, Vasu Pillay, announced that pre-trial conference minutes and agreed documents had been finalized between the involved parties. Meanwhile, lawyer Nimisha Shankar from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) sought additional time to submit and endorse the necessary documentation. The court granted the prosecution a week to complete these filings.
The charges against Kaba stem from his time as a board member at Telecom Fiji Limited and Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Limited, specifically from January 27, 2017, to January 20, 2019. Allegations indicate that between June 2022 and July 2023, Kaba unlawfully obtained over $766,327 while bidding for project management services via his company, Houng Lee Kaba Jacob Limited (HLK Jacob). It is alleged that he did not disclose his interest as a director of HLK Jacob, which rendered the company ineligible for the financial advantage being sought.
The court has adjourned the case until November 7, when a hearing date will be established. This situation underscores FICAC’s dedication to fostering transparency and accountability in Fiji’s corporate governance landscape. It serves as a reminder of the ethical standards expected from individuals in significant positions.
As the legal proceedings progress, there is optimism for a resolution that will reaffirm public trust in governance and uphold ethical practices in corporate leadership. The prosecution plans to call multiple witnesses in the upcoming trial, a crucial step in addressing these serious allegations and determining Kaba’s future.