Controversy Surrounds Candidate Mubita Nawa
Mubita Nawa, the deputy commissioner of police in Zambia, is facing serious allegations as he vies for the position of Interpol’s next secretary general. Nawa, one of four candidates supported by African Union member states, is accused of being involved in the kidnapping and attempted extortion of Indian businessmen Vinod and Uddit Sadhu.
Allegations and denials
The Sadhus’ lawyers have submitted letters to Interpol, seen by The Independent, claiming Nawa’s unsuitability for the role, alleging his pivotal role in a conspiracy that led to the businessmen’s unlawful kidnap, detention, assault, and attempted extortion in September 2022. The Zambian police have dismissed these accusations as “malicious.”
Incident details
At the time of the alleged incident, Nawa was the deputy director of Zambia’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The Sadhus were reportedly ambushed by men posing as police officers, forced into an unmarked van, and taken to a private residence in Lusaka where they faced threats and coercion. They were later moved to a police station where further coercion occurred, allegedly involving Nawa.
The Sadhus, owners of Sun Pharmaceuticals, were awarded approximately 117 million Swiss francs (£105 million) by Zambia’s supreme court for overpayment on a loan from the Development Bank of Zambia. However, the payment has not been received, and the Sadhus claim they have faced illegal pressure to forgo the payment by individuals close to the administration, including Nawa.
Upcoming legal proceedings
Legal proceedings related to the 2022 incident are set to commence in October, where Nawa is expected to be a critical witness. Meanwhile, the Zambian police maintain that the Sadhus are fugitives involved in a fraud investigation concerning Sun Pharmaceuticals’ share structure.
Official responses
Acting Inspector General of Zambian Police, Milner Muyambango, has refuted the allegations against Nawa, describing them as a smear campaign aimed at damaging Nawa’s reputation ahead of the Interpol elections. Nawa himself has taken to Twitter, announcing his presence in Lyon for the Interpol secretary general interview. The decision on the role is anticipated soon.
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