Usi Wins Round One in Court Battle with ACB

The High Court in Lilongwe has granted a stay order against a notice issued by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) that compelled Vice President Dr. Michael Usi to produce original documented evidence backing the corruption allegations he has been making on his campaign trail.

Usi’s lawyer, Tamando Chokotho, confirmed the development, saying the court has also granted them permission to proceed with a judicial review.

“The court has found that it was unreasonable for the claimant to issue a 24-hour notice for the applicant to produce the evidence, as he is not a custodian of the original documents,” Chokotho explained.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Redson Kapindu observed that Usi is protected under Malawi’s laws, citing the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act, which upholds the right to freedom of expression, particularly during campaign periods.

Meanwhile, ACB spokesperson Jacqueline Ngongonda said the Bureau is yet to be formally served with the stay order.