By Staff Reporter
Nkhotakota, Malawi – Youthful business magnate Ibrahim Swed has launched a massive K934 million legal claim against Ayinani Habbib James over alleged vandalism and theft that shook his business empire on January 23, 2026.
Court documents, filed by Swed’s lawyer, detail shocking allegations: loss of use of land, trespassing, destruction of vehicles and buildings, and theft of numerous properties. Swed has given James a strict fourteen-day ultimatum to settle the compensation or face the full force of the High Court.
According to the filing, James allegedly orchestrated the attacks, mobilising individuals and even using his own vehicles to vandalise properties and loot shops—all in a brazen attempt to defy a lawful order from the Nkhotakota District Council.
The feud between the Swed family and James is not new. It reportedly dates back to 2011, with multiple orders restraining James from encroaching on Swed’s land—orders that he allegedly ignored while continuing to develop shops on the disputed property.
Swed’s legal move sends a strong message: unlawful seizure and destruction of property will not go unchallenged. The nation watches closely as this high-stakes legal battle threatens to expose deep-seated greed and lawlessness in the business community.
