The lawyers representing the former minister of local government, Ben Phiri have accused the state of affecting the arrest of the former minister.

Earlier last week, police arrested Phiri as the registered owner of Beata Investments over fraud and corruption at Ministry of Gender between 2018 and 2020.

Appearing before court on Monday, one of the lawyers, Mauya Msuku said the police could have arrested Phiri after gathering enough evidence and not arresting him before they have evidence.

Meanwhile, Chief Resident Magistrate Patrick Chirwa granted Phiri bail on conditions that he pay a K10 million cash bond, two sureties bonded at K5million, to surrender his travel documents and that he reports to Area 30 police once every fortnight among other conditions.