A man accused of deliberately setting fire to a clubhouse has been acquitted by the High Court in Suva after the court found the prosecution had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he willfully and unlawfully caused the fire.
Nigel Yogesh Singh was charged with one count of arson.
Justice Dane Tuiqereqere delivered his decision after considering the totality of evidence.
The court heard that the fire occurred in June 2025, with evidence that Singh had a metal bed under the clubhouse at the time.
The firefighter, who was the prosecution’s third witness, investigated the scene and concluded that the point of origin was an area of the building where cartons and other combustible materials were stacked.
The investigation found a mosquito coil and a candle in the vicinity.
The court also heard evidence that Singh had been seen with a candle and a mosquito coil shortly before the fire.
Justice Tuiqereqere said there was no evidence of animosity between Singh and the clubhouse staff, noting evidence that staff had previously assisted him by providing food, clothing and other support.
The court found that it could not be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Singh willfully and unlawfully set the clubhouse on fire.
Singh was found not guilty and acquitted.
