Fiscal Police in Lilongwe yesterday arrested Leader of Opposition in Parliament Simplex Chithyola Banda over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office linked to the controversial Eastbridge fertiliser deal involving the Smallholder Farmers Fertiliser Revolving Fund of Malawi.
Chithyola: In police
The former Finance Minister handed himself over to authorities following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Mkukula Magistrate Court. He presented himself at Area 6 Fiscal Police offices yesterday morning, where he was immediately taken into custody.
His lawyer, Jivason Kadzipatike, confirmed the development, saying his client is denying the charges.
“He has been arrested on allegations that he committed the offences of abuse of office and money laundering, in connection with the fertiliser deal between Eastbridge and Smallholder Farmers Fertiliser Revolving Fund of Malawi,” Kadzipatike said.
He emphasized that Chithyola Banda complied voluntarily with the court order.
“Following the warrant issued by the Mkukula Magistrate Court against the Leader of Opposition, this morning he handed himself over to Area 6 Fiscal Police. He is currently under arrest,” he said.
Malawi Police Service spokesperson Lael Chimtembo also confirmed the arrest but said more time was needed to provide full details.
“As for the details, we will need more time,” Chimtembo said.
Chithyola Banda remains in police custody, with further details on the charges and possible court proceedings expected to be released later.
His arrest comes amid a widening crackdown on former officials of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), following its loss in the September 16, 2025 General Election. Several senior figures who served in Cabinet have since been arrested.
He becomes the sixth high-profile MCP member to be arrested since December last year, joining figures such as former Homeland Security Minister Ezekiel Ching’oma, former Local Government Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda, party publicity secretary Jessie Kabwila, and former Trade and Industry Minister Vitumbiko Mumba.
Chithyola Banda served as Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs between 2023 and 2025 and is the Member of Parliament for Kasungu South Constituency.
