Musician Moses Ng’andwe, popularly known as Chester, gospel musician Felix Phiri, and comedian Winston Ngosa, popularly known as IDC Light Comedy, have been granted bail pending trial alongside 13 other accused persons.
The development comes after the group spent 24 days in detention following their arrest on August 5, 2026. The 16 accused persons appeared before Kalabo Resident Magistrate Vincent Moze, where they pleaded not guilty to a charge of alleged riotous behaviour.
The Kalabo Magistrate’s Court granted each of the 16 accused persons cash bail of K5,000. The court further ordered that each accused person should provide two sureties in their own recognisance as part of the bail conditions.
Two of the accused persons are also facing additional charges relating to the alleged possession of offensive weapons. According to their lawyer, Wisdom Nyirenda, the accused persons have managed to organise sureties and are now putting together the necessary resources to meet all the conditions attached to their bail.
The matter has been adjourned to September 6 and 7, 2026, when the trial is expected to commence. The granting of bail marks a major development in a case that has attracted widespread attention, particularly within Zambia’s entertainment and creative industries.
Chester, Felix and IDC Light Comedy had become the focus of public concern after fellow artists, creatives and supporters repeatedly called for clarity regarding their detention and the legal process.
The case will now proceed through the courts, where the allegations will be tested according to the law. The accused persons remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.
16 accused persons granted bail, Cash bail: K5,000 each, Two sureties in own recognisance required, All pleaded not guilty to the riotous behaviour charge, Two accused also face offensive weapons-related charges and Trial scheduled for September 6 and 7, 2026
The entertainment industry and supporters will now be watching closely as Chester, Felix, IDC Light Comedy and the other accused persons prepare for the next stage of the legal process.
