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Former head of computer firm Pacific Connex Limited, Sivaniolo Naulago was in the wrong place at the wrong time, the High Court in Suva heard this afternoon.
Naulago, along with seven others have been found guilty and convicted of conspiring to assassinate the Prime Minister in 2007.
The others are former Senator and Naitasiri high chief Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, former Fiji Intelligence Services director Metuisela Mua and former Counter Revolutionary Warfare soldiers Feoko Gadikibau, Barbados Mills, Eparama Waqatairewa, Kaminieli Vosavere and Pauliasi Namulo
Speaking on Naulago’s behalf during mitigation, defence counsel Mehboob Raza said his client has an “impeccable record and comes from a humble background”.
He said his client came into contact with businessman Ballu Khan as a result of a successful application in his area of work as an IT consultant.
“Here is a remarkable story of a village boy who became a successful individual. He is remorseful, a very educated man, honorable character and was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Raza told the court.
“He has no tendency of any criminality and there is no evidence that will tell us he intended to carry out this plot.”
Mitigation for the eight accused have been completed.
Judge Justice Paul Madigan is expected to deliver the final ruling at 3.30pm tomorrow.
