Former Ra High School Principal and Teacher Charged by FICAC Over Alleged Grant Misuse

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has formally charged the former Principal of Ra High School, Sanmogan Naidu, and Assistant Agriculture Teacher, Semi Voresara Nabalarua, over allegations of financial misconduct involving school grant funds.

The two appeared before the Rakiraki Magistrates’ Court this morning to answer to corruption-related charges arising from their time at the school.

Naidu faces two counts of Obtaining a Financial Advantage and a third count jointly with Nabalarua. FICAC alleges that between 1 July and 31 July 2020, Naidu dishonestly obtained $4,000 from the school’s Free Education Grant (FEG) account by directing the preparation of payment vouchers, despite not being entitled to the funds.

Further allegations suggest that between 1 June 2019 and 31 October 2020, Naidu and Nabalarua together obtained a total of $12,484.25 from the school’s Vocational Grant account by preparing payment vouchers and cashing cheques while knowing they were not eligible to receive the money.

State Counsel Ravinesh Lal informed the Court that the first phase of disclosures has been served.

Resident Magistrate Timoci Qalinauci granted non-cash bail of $500 each with strict conditions. The accused have been ordered not to re-offend while on bail, interfere with prosecution witnesses, or change their residential addresses without notifying the Court.

The matter has been adjourned to 1 October 2025.