Road Traffic Authority CEO await ruling

The Committal Court will hand down its ruling on June 11, 2026, on whether criminal charges against Road Traffic Authority Acting chief executive officer, John Avira, will proceed to the National Court for trial.

The charges against Avera include misappropriation of public funds, abuse of office, official corruption, conspiracy and pivoting the course of justice.

The case centres on allegations that Avira used RTA funds to purchase a Ford Everest vehicle that was then registered under his personal name.

This case involving the office of the RTA CEO has become one of the most closely watched public sector accountability matters since its first mention last year.

The committal proceedings in Avira's case had already concluded the hearing of submissions from both the defendant and the prosecution.

The prosecutors relied heavily on financial record evidence, registration documents and witness statements to argue the case.

However, the defense argued that the matter was administrative and should not proceed to trial.

The decision on the criminal matter was scheduled for delivery yesterday morning. However, Magistrate Paul Nii adjourned it to June 11 as several documents the court needed were yet to be provided by parties in the proceeding.

According to the prosecutors, one of these documents is the transaction forms, which contains the basis of all charges.

Legal experts have described the upcoming June 11 ruling as a significant decision that will impact governance standards and the handling of public assets by state agencies.

The outcome of the District Court's decision next month will determine whether the allegations against Avira meet the criteria to commit him to a full trial at the National Court or will be thrown out at the District Court.