The court will be asked to issue a bench warrant for former fisheries and forestry minister, Kalaveti Ravu if he fails to appear in court at the next date.

Mr Ravu’s co-accused, the ministry’s regional northern manager Tekata Toaisi, appeared before Suva Magistrate Jeremaia Savou yesterday.

Mr Toaisi is represented by Joji Cakau, who appeared on instructions of Lavi Rokoika, who currently represents Mr Ravu.

Mr Cakau told the court the former minister could not attend court because he was at a work meeting in Nadi.

State prosecutor Lavenia Ravuikadavu said she was not informed of Mr Ravu’s reason for not attending court before hand.

She sought a short mention date and if Mr Ravu failed to appear, a bench warrant was likely to be issued.

The former minister is accused of interfering in the lawful process of a ministerial investigation into the suspended illegal trade of a banned species of beche-de-mer.

Mr Toaisi is charged for aiding Mr Ravu in the alleged commission of the act between July and August last year.

The charge was sanctioned by FICAC.

Bail for the pair has been extended and the case adjourned to January 21.