Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum

Fiji’s former Attorney General released on bail

He has been released on $10,000 non-cash bail with two sureties.

Sayed-Khaiyum, who is charged with one count of abuse of office, appeared in court yesterday.

The charge relates to a report lodged by the Acting Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa.

Mataiciwa had lodged the report with Police in February.

It is alleged that Sayed-Khaiyum last year on June 30th and July 12th, while being the Acting Prime Minister, signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government and the then Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem.

Former Fiji AG to appear in court on charge of abuse of office

The charge sanctioned by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution relates to a report lodged by the Acting Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa against Sayed-Khaiyum in February.

Police Chief of Intelligence and Investigation ACP Sakeo Raikaci confirmed Sayed-Khaiyum remains in custody and will be produced in the Suva Magistrates Court today.

He said the Police Force would like to again call for patience with regards to the conduct of investigations of these high profile cases.

Sayed-Khaiyum returns

He is wanted for questioning by police.

Sayed-Khaiyum, who is the General-Secretary of the FijiFirst party, flew out of the country on Christmas Day following the swearing-in of the new coalition government.

Soon after his departure, the Criminal Investigations Department issued a border alert identifying him as a "person of interest" for allegedly "inciting communal antagonism".

Sayed-Khaiyum was Attorney-General for almost 16 years.