Dad: Didn't know Madonna would take son

LILONGWE, Malawi, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The Malawian father of the baby Madonna adopted now claims he wanted the U.S. pop star to raise his son on his behalf, not adopt him.

Yohane Banda said he didn't know Madonna wanted to adopt his 13-month-old son David and take him away, Sky News said Sunday. He said had he known, he never would have agreed.

Banda, who cannot read or write, said he relied on government officials to tell him what the papers said, adding that he was still waiting to get his copies of the agreement he signed, Sky News said. He said he thought his son would be cared for and educated and "then he comes back to me," Sky News said.

The adoption has generated international scrutiny and criticism. Madonna said earlier that she has acted within the law to adopt the child.

Meanwhile, the High Court in Malawi's capital of Lilongwe is expected to hear this week a case filed by the Human Rights Consultative Committee, which argues that the country's laws forbid international adoption, Sky News said.