Malawi’s highest court heard arguments today on Madonna’s bid to adopt a three-year-old girl from the southern African country, as a dispute erupted over whether a man trying to stop the proceedings is the girl’s father.

As Malawi’s highest court prepares to decide on Madonna’s bid to adopt a second child from the country, a dispute has erupted over whether a man trying to stop the proceedings is the three-year-old girl’s father.

A traditional healer and a village leader have been arrested in Malawi on charges they illegally detained 31 people in a dingy room for three days.