LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Lilongwe Magistrate Court on Monday, January 19, 2026, granted bail to former Homeland Security Minister Ezekiel Ching’oma on alleged conspiracy linked to terrorism financing changes.
The two are accused of involvement in activities surrounding the abduction of human rights activist Silvester Namiwa, an allegation the State says stems from events in December 2024.
Prosecutors told the court that between December 9 and 27, Ching’oma allegedly gave Lungu MK3.9 million to finance actions aimed at disrupting demonstrations, which the State claims later led to Namiwa’s abduction.
The State applied for the suspects to be remanded for up to 14 days to allow for further investigations, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
However, Resident Magistrate Breacious Kondowe ruled that the circumstances of the case warranted the granting of bail to both accused persons.
Each has been ordered to pay a MK3 million cash bond and provide two sureties worth K5 million each, surrender their travel documents, and refrain from leaving the country.
The court further directed Ching’oma to reside in Area 48 and Lungu in Chinsapo, report to Area 30 Police Station fortnightly, and warned that any breach of the conditions will result in immediate revocation of bail.