Zambian authorities have arrested Catholic Archbishop Alick Banda over a Toyota Hilux reportedly given to him by the late former President Edgar Lungu.
Banda, 62, who has served as Archbishop of Lusaka since 2018, was arrested on Monday by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), which investigates drug-related offences, money laundering and other financial crimes, according to TRT Africa.
The DEC said the vehicle was “reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority” in 2021, when Lungu was president.
Banda has denied the allegations and was released on bail, with his trial scheduled for November.
Lusaka Resident Magistrate Mwandu Nakazwe Sakala granted the archbishop bail of 80,000 Zambian kwacha (Sh530,080), about $4,000 (Sh518,840), in his own recognisance, TRT Africa reported.
He was also required to provide three working sureties, each bonded at K50,000 (Sh331,300), and surrender his travel documents.
DEC spokesperson Allan Tamba said the investigation involving Banda forms part of a wider inquiry into 22 vehicles that had been disposed of by the Zambia Revenue Authority.
The commission has urged the public to avoid inflammatory statements as the investigation continues.
Banda’s arrest comes against a politically charged backdrop following Zambia’s August 13 presidential election, in which President Hakainde Hichilema secured a second term.
The archbishop had been an outspoken supporter of Brian Mundubile, an opposition candidate in the election. Weeks before the vote, Banda met Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, who sought his blessings and counsel.
Following the arrest, Catholics in Lusaka gathered for prayers and attended Mass at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus before Banda appeared in court.
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops called for fairness, dignity and due process, while urging Catholics and the wider public to remain calm, according to TRT Africa.
Banda’s case comes as several opposition figures face detention following the election, including Mundubile. The archbishop is expected back in court in November to face the charges.