The High Court in Suva has fixed December 23 for the hearing of an application for leave to seek judicial review by UK-based sports marketing executive Charlie Cobham Charters, challenging the appointment of Acting Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Lavinia Rokoika.
The matter was called before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere today, with the hearing date fixed. Mr Charters, through Fatiaki Law, filed the application on September 21, seeking leave to challenge Ms Rokoika’s appointment and claiming damages for alleged false imprisonment and misfeasance in public office.
The respondents are the President, the Prime Minister, the Attorney-General, Ms Rokoika and FICAC, while the Judicial Services Commission is named as an interested party.
Mr Charters is seeking declarations that the Prime Minister’s advice in May 2025 and the President’s subsequent appointment of Ms Rokoika as acting FICAC Commissioner were unlawful and ultra vires.
He contends that the authority to recommend the appointment rests with the JSC after consultation with the Attorney-General.
The application challenges the legality of a Stop Departure Order issued against Mr Charters on February 21, 2026, and Ms Rokoika’s decision to sanction two counts of aiding and abetting against him two days later.
Mr Charters alleges that the actions were taken without lawful authority because Ms Rokoika was not validly appointed to the position.
He is seeking special, general, vindicatory, aggravated and exemplary damages, claiming he was falsely imprisoned between February 21 and February 23 before being brought before court.
He also alleges misfeasance in public office, claiming Ms Rokoika acted despite knowing she lacked authority and had a personal conflict of interest arising from publications concerning her appointment.
The application also refers to a July 24 High Court ruling which found that FICAC had breached Mr Charters’ rights to remain silent, consult a legal practitioner and protect journalistic sources.
The matter will be heard on December 23.
