Niko given more time to engage new lawyer

The Court of Appeal has granted former opposition member of Parliament Niko Nawaikula more time to engage a new lawyer.

When his case was called before Justice Chandana Prematilaka on Thursday, Mr Nawaikula told the court he was yet engage counsel.

He said he had spoken to a few lawyers but had yet to come to an agreement for legal representation.

Mr Nawaikula asked the court to give him time until December, which would be around the time he becomes eligible for parole, but Justice Prematilaka said such time could not be granted because the court needed to proceed with the case.

Mr Nawaikula was ordered to file his submissions by July 6 and the respondent Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption to file their submissions by August 10.

The matter was adjourned to August 14 for mention.