By Suleman Chitera
Former Immigration Director General, Brigadier General Charles Kalumo (retired), is expected to appear before the Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate Court tomorrow, where he will present preliminary objections against corruption charges brought against him by the State.
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According to court documents seen by this publication, Kalumo’s defence lawyer, Chrispin Ndalama, will argue that the charges were improperly instituted by the police instead of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), as required under the Corrupt Practices Act.
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Ndalama contends that the case falls squarely within the mandate of the ACB, raising questions about the legality and procedural correctness of the prosecution.
The defence is also expected to argue that the alleged offence—relating to the issuance of a diplomatic passport to Nigerian businessman Dozy Mmobuosi in 2023—was carried out following a request from a former head of state and under directives from a sitting president at the time.
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As such, Ndalama maintains that the case raises critical questions around functional immunity, suggesting that Kalumo may have acted within the scope of official duties and under lawful authority.
The court is expected to determine whether the preliminary objections have merit before proceeding with the substantive hearing of the case.
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The matter has attracted significant public interest, as it touches on the boundaries of executive authority, law enforcement jurisdiction, and accountability in public office.
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