A senior police officer facing bribery charges has been granted additional time to decide how he will proceed with his defence after the Suva Magistrate’s Court dismissed his “no case to answer” application.
George Lagi, an officer with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), appeared before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne yesterday, following the conclusion of the prosecution’s case.
Mr Somaratne ruled last week that the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) had presented a prima facie case with sufficient evidence upon which a properly directed court could convict if that evidence were accepted. However, he emphasised that the ruling is not a finding of guilt and that the outcome will only be determined after the defence presents its case.
FICAC alleges that between October 1, 2012 and January 31, 2024, while employed as a CID officer, Mr Lagi accepted a financial advantage of $6580 from a Divindra Bhagat in relation to the performance of his official duties.
Mr Somaratne has given Mr Lagi 14 days to confirm whether he would give evidence under oath, remain silent, or call witnesses.
Bail has been extended, and the matter is adjourned to July 13, 2026.
