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Zambia Police in full riot gear on Monday restricted access to roads leading to the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Lusaka’s Ridgeway area as Archbishop of Lusaka Alick Banda arrived to appear before the agency for questioning.
Only Banda, Archbishop of Kasama Ignatius Chama, Vicar General Father Andrew Simpasa SJ, Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) Secretary General Father Francis Mukosa and lawyer John Sangwa SC were allowed access to the DEC premises.
Banda had earlier attended a solidarity Mass before proceeding to the DEC, where he had been summoned in connection with investigations into the alleged possession of property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained.
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has expressed fraternal solidarity with Banda as he appears before the commission.
“We, members of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, together with the Catholic faithful and people of goodwill, express our fraternal solidarity with Archbishop Alick Banda, Metropolitan Archbishop of Lusaka, as he appears before the Drug Enforcement Commission today,” Archbishop Chama said.
Chama, who is president of the ZCCB, issued the statement on behalf of the bishops on Sept. 27, on the eve of the Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Patrons of Zambia.
“We affirm our deep respect for his pastoral ministry and his tireless dedication to the service of the Church and the nation,” Chama said.
He emphasised the Church’s teaching on human dignity and justice, calling on authorities handling the matter to act with impartiality and respect for the rule of law.
“We therefore call upon all concerned to ensure that these principles are upheld without prejudice or intimidation,” Chama said.
He praised Banda’s moral leadership and urged the faithful to remain calm and prayerful throughout the process.
“May this trial not diminish but rather deepen our collective commitment to truth, justice and the common good in Zambia,” he said.
The appearance follows a joint statement issued by the DEC and Zambia Police Service on Sunday, confirming that Banda had been summoned in connection with ongoing investigations.
The investigations relate to alleged possession of property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained, contrary to Section 319 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Read More: Archbishop Banda reportedly summoned by Drug Enforcement Commission
According to investigators, the case involves a blue Toyota Hilux bearing registration number ALF 7734, allegedly obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) between April 22, 2021, and Dec. 27, 2023.
The DEC and police said the vehicle formed part of a wider investigation involving about 22 ZRA motor vehicles alleged to have been improperly disposed of, a matter that has previously resulted in convictions of other people through the courts.
“Arising from a Warn and Caution Statement recorded on Monday, 5th January 2026, His Grace, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Dr. Alick Banda, has been invited to appear before the Drug Enforcement Commission on Monday, 28th September 2026 in line with ongoing investigations,” DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba and Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said.
The two spokespersons urged members of the public to desist from issuing inflammatory statements, stressing that the matter relates specifically to alleged possession of unlawfully obtained property.
“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 and Chilabi said.
They further said only Banda’s legal representative and appropriate persons connected with the matter would be allowed to accompany him, warning that police would take appropriate measures to prevent any unlawful assembly or breach of the peace.
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