By MELVILLE TITIULU
The conversion case involving the MP for Ulawa Ugi Constituency has been relisted for 9th March 2026 as per directions from the Magistrate in carriage of the case file.
At its last mention on Monday, 16th February, Principal Magistrate Paile Joyceth permitted defence to file a bail variation application to facilitate further travel of the defendant from Fiji to India.
Consequently, an extension of bail was also granted for the defendant.
The matter was adjourned to Wednesday, 25th February 2026 at 9am for mention.
However, on Wednesday, the matter was then relisted as per notice from Court Clerk for Thursday 26th 2026.
On Thursday 26th February, the matter did not appear on the case listing, however; defence counsel was informed in person outside court that the matter was further relisted or adjourned to 9th March 2026 as per directions from the Magistrate in carriage of the case files.
The defendant was due to stand trial in April 2025 but his health circumstances rendered him unfit for trial and required him to seek medical treatment in Australia and Fiji as the necessary services were not provided in the country.
The defendant is expected to leave Fiji for India in March for the proposed kidney transplant at the India Max Hospital.
The only remaining impediment to travel is the donor, Mr. Comfort Marau, the defendants’ brother’s leave arrangements, as he needs time to discuss a proposed leave with his employer in Australia.
Upon confirmation of leave arrangement, the defendant will proceed to confirm ticketing and notify his lawyer, Ms. Soaika of Rano & Company Lawyers to apply for bail variation.
A sworn statement filed in support of application for bail variation which was sworn on Tuesday 24th February 2026 by one, Tommy Mana, appears to reveal all of this.
It has exhibits which purports to show medical reports, correspondences of emails excerpts, and e-visa application status of the defendant.
Tommy Mana is the liaison officer responsible for the welfare of the Member of Parliament and he made that sworn statement on behalf of the defendant.
The sworn statement was prepared by lawyers of the defendant (Rano & Company Lawyers) after the Magistrate Court directed the defence to keep the court and the prosecution informed of the defendant’s medical progress given the fact that Mr Marau remains outside the country on strict bail conditions and may only travel with the approval of the court, supported by medical reports.
Marau faces one count of Conversion contrary to section 278 (1) (c) (i) of the Penal Code.
This was in relation to the allegation of misappropriation of $5million designated to shipping funds in 2016.
Therefore, it is envisaged that upon completion of the required medical treatment, Marau is due to return to Solomon Islands to stand trial.
Ms Jillian Soaika of Rano & Company Lawyers represents Marau and Mrs. Olivia Ratu Manu represents the Crown.
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