Temo to Hear Case Against Sayed-Khaiyum and Saneem Over Alleged Abuse of Office

Chief Justice Salesi Temo will preside over the high-profile case involving former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem, who appeared in the Suva High Court today on charges of abuse of office and corrupt conduct.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the matter was listed for first mention before Chief Justice Temo. The charges stem from actions allegedly taken in mid-2022.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum is accused of signing a Deed of Variation and Addendum while acting as Prime Minister between 30 June and 12 July 2022. This deed reportedly allowed the Government to cover tax liabilities owed by Mr Saneem, despite not receiving the necessary approvals from the Constitutional Offices Commission or the President.

In a related charge, Mr Saneem is alleged to have improperly requested and received a benefit between 1 June and 31 July 2022. Specifically, it is claimed that he sought and secured a waiver exceeding $55,000 in tax obligations tied to his back pay, without proper legal authority or justification.

The ODPP has confirmed that all relevant disclosures and court documents have been filed and served.

Chief Justice Temo has set the trial to proceed from 15 September to 3 October 2025. The case will return to court on 16 July 2025 for the plea to be entered, to consider any proposed bail amendments, and to address pre-trial issues.

Both defendants remain on extended bail pending further proceedings.