THE two people accused in Fiji's first domestic human trafficking case have been further remanded in custody to await their bail application ruling in the High Court in Suva today.
Inoke Raikadroka, 23, of Suva, and Mohammed Sheefaz Jameer Sagaitu, 24, of Rotuma, appeared before Justice Paul Madigan yesterday.
Mr Raikadroka is charged with trafficking in children, living off the earnings of prostitution and prostitution while Mr Sagaitu is charged with two counts of living on the earnings of prostitution and three of domestic trafficking in children.
It's alleged the two, from May to December 12 last year, trafficked two girls — aged 16 and 17 years — and a 20-year-old woman between Suva and Nadi.
Representing Mr Sagaitu, Legal Aid Commission lawyer Jeremaia Savou submitted his client was vulnerable to inmates based on his sexual preference.
The court heard he has been housed with convicted rapists and murderers and has been allegedly harassed by remand prisoners.
Mr Savou said his client was a first offender with no criminal conviction and deserved to be granted bail. He told the court his client needed time to get legal advice and prepare his defence.
Mr Raikadroka's lawyer, Ravindra Singh, said his client needed to be granted bail with stringent conditions, and that he was also vulnerable to other prisoners.
For Mr Raikadroka's bail conditions, Mr Singh submitted his aunty, who was also present in court, would be his client's surety.
The court heard that Mr Raikadroka had a previous conviction in the Navua Magistrates Court with a suspended sentence for robbery.
DPP lawyer Madonna Fong objected to bail, saying the charges were serious.
She said if convicted, the two accused were likely to get a lengthy sentence.