FORMER parliamentarian Peceli Vosanibola has opted to continue his corruption-related trial rather than have the matter start afresh.
His lawyer Mesake Waqavanua confirmed the defence’s position to Magistrate Joseph Daurewa during a hearing under Section 139 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 last week.
This followed the court’s earlier ruling that Mr Vosanibola had a case to answer to two charges brought by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Mr Waqavanua told the court the defence wanted the trial to continue before Magistrate Pulekeria Low, who had heard the prosecution’s case and witnesses.
FICAC prosecutor Setefano Komaibaba agreed, saying a fresh trial could prejudice the prosecution if witnesses were unavailable or unable to return to court.
Mr Vosanibola is charged with providing false information to a public servant and obtaining a financial advantage.
FICAC alleges he falsely declared in 2019 that his permanent residence was Navuloa Village, Ovalau, while allegedly residing in Nadera, Nasinu.
It is further alleged that he obtained a financial advantage of $19,749.50 through allowance claims between August 2019 and March 2020. A ruling on the Section 139 application will be delivered on September 16.
