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Lusaka Archbishop, Alick Banda, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of being in possession of property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained and has been granted K80,000 bail in his own recognizance by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
The court also ordered his three sureties to be bonded at K50,000 each.
Banda, who told the court he was aged 62 years and 10 months, appeared before Magistrate Mwandu Nakazwe and denied the charge when it was read to him.
The prosecution alleged that between April 22, 2021 and December 27, 2023, on dates unknown, Banda was found in possession of a blue Toyota Hilux, registration number ALF 7734, which was reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
Banda was formally charged by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) following his appearance before the Commission for questioning in connection with ongoing investigations into a motor vehicle allegedly obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
DEC Public Relations Officer, Allan Tamba, told journalists at the Commission’s offices in Lusaka on Monday that Banda had been charged under Section 319 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
The case centres on a blue Toyota Hilux, registration number ALF 7734, which the DEC alleges was obtained between April 22, 2021 and December 27, 2023.
Tamba said the Archbishop was invited to appear before the Commission following a Warn and Caution Statement recorded on January 5, 2026.
“The vehicle in question forms part of a wider investigation involving approximately 22 ZRA motor vehicles alleged to have been improperly disposed of,” Tamba said.
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He said the wider probe had previously resulted in the conviction of other persons through the courts, adding that investigations were continuing.
“During the ongoing investigations, members of the public are urged to desist from issuing inflammatory statements as the charge against Dr. Alick Banda relates specifically to the alleged possession of unlawfully obtained property,” Tamba said.
Earlier, DEC and police officers had restricted access to the interrogation, stating that only Banda’s legal representative and appropriate persons connected with the matter would be allowed to accompany him.
“Only his legal representative and appropriate persons connected with the matter will be allowed to accompany him,” Tamba said.
The law enforcement agencies warned that appropriate measures would be taken to prevent any unlawful assembly or breach of the peace around the DEC premises.
The matter remains before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
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