Former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has been acquitted after the Suva Magistrates Court ruled that the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption failed to present sufficient evidence to require him to enter a defence.

This afternoon, Magistrate Charles Ratakele upheld the defence’s no case to answer application and dismissed both the perjury charge and the alternative charge of giving false information to a public servant.

Kamikamica had been charged with one count of perjury and, in the alternative, one count of giving false information to a public servant in relation to evidence he gave before the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali.

In delivering his ruling, Magistrate Ratakele said the legal test required the court to determine whether there was relevant and admissible evidence supporting every element of the offences and whether the prosecution’s evidence had been so discredited that no reasonable tribunal could convict.

The court found that while Kamikamica’s identity and the fact that he gave evidence in judicial proceedings were established, the prosecution failed to prove he made a material statement under oath.

The court noted that the Cousel assisting the Commission of Inquiry Janet Mason had conceded during cross-examination that Kamikamica’s alleged prior knowledge of Malimali’s appointment was not relevant to the Commission’s terms of reference and was therefore not investigated.

The Magistrate adds the issue fell outside the scope of the inquiry; the prosecution had failed to establish that the alleged false statement was material to the proceedings.

The court also found there was no evidence that Kamikamica knowingly made a false statement.

The prosecution had relied on diary entries made by Prosecution Witness and Member of Parliament Kalaveti Ravu, but the magistrate ruled that the entries were admitted only under a hearsay exception to prove the words were written, not to establish the truth of their contents.

He noted that Ravu declined to explain or elaborate on the context of the diary entries during his testimony, leaving the prosecution without evidence that Kamikamica’s statements before the Commission were false.

For the alternative charge of giving false information to a public servant, the court found the prosecution likewise failed to prove that the information allegedly provided by Kamikamica was false.

Having found that essential elements of both offences were not established by FICAC, Magistrate Ratakele upheld the no case to answer application and dismissed both charges, acquitting Kamikamica.

FICAC has 28 days to appeal the decision.

Speaking outside court, an emotional Kamikamica thanked his wife, his family and his supporters for believing in his innocence.

He said the decision marked a turning point for him and his family.

He expressed gratitude to supporters across Fiji for their prayers, messages and encouragement during the case.

Looking ahead, Kamikamica said his focus is now on serving the people and preparing for the next general election.

Asked whether he hoped to regain a ministerial portfolio, Kamikamica said the decision rests entirely with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

Kamikamica added that he remains ready to serve in whatever capacity the Prime Minister deems appropriate, saying he would accept any decision with gratitude and humility.