FICAC clarifies procedural oversight in Sayed-Khaiyum arrest

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Former FBC CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Picture : ANDREW NAIDU.

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has responded to public and media interest regarding a “procedural timing oversight” in the arrest and charge of Mr. Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

In a statement today, Acting Commissioner Lavi Rokoika acknowledged the oversight and confirmed that she personally addressed the issue with lawyers representing Mr Sayed-Khaiyum.

She said FICAC had offered to withdraw the current charge and proceed with a fresh arrest and charge, which would have resulted in Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum being held in custody overnight.

Ms. Rokoika said she accepted full responsibility for the actions of her officers, emphasizing that at no point were Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum’s constitutional rights violated, nor was any prejudice caused to his liberty or right to a fair trial.

“While it is unfortunate that a timing oversight occurred, it was not fatal to the proceedings,” Ms. Rokoika stated. She noted that the Defence Counsel acknowledged this before the proceedings began.

FICAC reaffirmed its commitment to improving its processes and upholding its mandate to combat corruption effectively and fairly.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum faces a count of abuse of office and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss.
Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday. He is accused of circumventing the tender process in FBC’s finance manual when purchasing his 3.0L Volkswagen Touareg for $207,470. It is also alleged that obtaining that vehicle caused FBC a total loss of $84,470. The incidents are alleged to have occurred between September 1, 2022, and November 11, two years ago.