Investigation of Archbishop Alick Banda in Zambia

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Zambia has launched an investigation into Archbishop Alick Banda of the Archdiocese of Lusaka regarding a Toyota Hilux. The investigation examines whether the vehicle was unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) between April 2021 and December 2023, as part of a larger probe into the improper disposal of approximately 22 ZRA vehicles.

Following a summons for questioning, Archbishop Banda was arrested and has since pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court granted him bail of 80,000 Zambian kwacha, approximately $4,100, and ordered him to surrender his travel documents pending trial.

The case has sparked debate regarding political motivations. While DEC Director General Nason Banda stated the commission is empowered to summon any individual regardless of status, opposition members and observers have raised concerns about the timing of the arrest. Given the Archbishop’s history as an outspoken critic of President Hakainde Hichilema, the legal proceedings have drawn international attention to the political climate and the state of democracy in Zambia.