Lucy Simon Shayo, a member of Chadema, was arrested on September 10, 2025, in Morogoro, Tanzania. The Morogoro Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Alex Mkama, confirmed her detention on September 15, 2025, stating that she was arrested for publishing and distributing false information about the CCM campaign, claiming that military buses were ferrying supporters to President Samia’s Political rallies.

Court Appearance and Charges

On September 16, 2025, Shayo, popularly known as Shayo wa Tundu Lissu, was brought before the Morogoro Resident Magistrate’s Court but was not formally charged. Instead, she was returned to police custody without being charged.

The following day, September 17, 2025, Shayo was brought before the court again and charged with using an unregistered SIM card and Publishing content online without a license.

According to Shayo’s lawyers, her charges maliciously changed from the initial reason given during her arrest, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the court process. Lucy was later granted bail.

Her lawyers have challenged the legitimacy of her detention, arguing that the charges filed are not related to the initial accusations. To this end, Shayo’s legal team is planning to file a habeas corpus petition at the High Court against the Inspector General of police and the Attorney General to explain why police officers are altering the charges and her long detention in police custody.