The High Court of Fiji will today deliver judgment in the case involving former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem.
The matter is scheduled before Chief Justice Salesi Temo at 10.30am in High Court Room No.1 in Suva.
The case centres on allegations that an unauthorised tax benefit was granted to Mr Saneem in 2022.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum faces one count of abuse of office. The State alleges that while acting as Prime Minister, he approved a Deed of Variation authorising Government to pay approximately $55,944 in back taxes owed by Mr Saneem.
Mr Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit. Prosecutors allege he sought and obtained the tax relief without lawful authority.
The prosecution has argued the agreement was a “replacement deed” designed to bypass constitutional oversight processes involving the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
However, defence lawyers have maintained the payment was a lawful reimbursement of withheld earnings and described the matter as an employment-related issue rather than a criminal offence.
The case has attracted significant public attention due to the senior public positions previously held by both accused.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum and Mr Saneem are represented by R. Patel Lawyers, while the matter is being prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
