Former CEO of Bio Security Authority of Fiji, Matai Matakitoga, was read his charges today in the Suva Magistrates Court, following which he entered a plea of not guilty on all three (3) counts of Theft with which FICAC charged him in mid-October.

Both Counsels were present when the plea was taken before Magistrate Makereta Mua.

FICAC Prosecutor, Rashmi Aslam had informed the Court that the full disclosures were served to the defense counsel and if plea could be taken.

Representing Matakitoga was Elenoa Leweni who made an application in court if the bail could be varied for his client so he could travel to Lakeba from the 15th December 2013 to 21st January 2014. Magistrate concurred with the variation and informed Leweni that the accused could report to Lakeba Police Station commencing from the 20th December and then on from 7th February, 2014 he will commence reporting back to Lami Police Station as was his initial reporting station.

At Prosecutor's request to set a date in order to finalize all Pre-Trial matters, Magistrate Mua then set 5^th February 2014 for PTC.

Bail was extended for the accused.