Facebook blogger Elias Musyani was taken into police custody outside the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on Friday, shortly after being found with a case to answer in a cybercrime case.
Magistrate Mutinta Mwenya ruled that Musyani had a case to answer in relation to allegations that he made threats of rape and abduction against Kidist Kifle, wife of musician Elton Mulenga, known as Yo Maps, and their daughter on social media.
Musyani has been charged under Zambia’s Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021. He has pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution called five witnesses in the case. In delivering her ruling, Magistrate Mwenya stated, “It suffices to state that from the overview of the evidence adduced, it appears to me that there is sufficient evidence establishing a prima facie case against the accused person for the offense as charged. I do hereby find him with a case to answer and accordingly put him on his defense in line with Section 207 of the Criminal Procedure Code.”
Musyani’s defense lawyer, Douglas Njolomba, informed the court that his client had chosen to invoke Article 18, Clause 7 of the Zambian Constitution, which grants him the right to remain silent.
He also confirmed that the defense would not be calling any witnesses and requested 14 days to file final submissions.
The court adjourned the matter to April 14, 2025, for judgment.
Shortly after stepping out of Courtroom Six, Musyani was handcuffed by police officers.
As he was being escorted to a vehicle, he protested, claiming he was being unfairly targeted.
“I am innocent. I am being harassed. Mr. President, look at what’s happening. I am a Zambian youth, not a criminal. There was no search warrant. I have never killed anybody,” he shouted.
Family members, including Musyani’s mother, followed behind, expressing their frustration and blaming Yo Maps for his arrest.
According to sources, Musyani is also under investigation for a separate cyber-related case unrelated to the allegations involving Kidist.
By press time, Musyani had been taken to Police Headquarters. His lawyer, Njolomba, did not witness the arrest as he was attending to another court matter and was unavailable for immediate comment.
