Archbishop Alick Banda Released from Chimbokaila

Lusaka Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese, Dr. Alick Banda, has been released from Chimbokaila Correctional Facility after meeting all his bail conditions.

Dr. Banda’s release comes after spending a night in custody following his failure to complete the bail process in time, despite being granted K80,000 bail by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

The Archbishop was on Monday formally charged and arrested by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) for alleged possession of property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained, contrary to Section 319 of the Penal Code.

The charge relates to a blue Toyota Hilux allegedly linked to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), which the DEC suspects was unlawfully obtained.

Dr. Banda pleaded not guilty to the charge before Magistrate Mwandu Nakazwe, who granted him K80,000 bail in his own recognisance, with three working sureties each bound in the sum of K50,000, and ordered him to surrender his travel documents.

His release follows the completion of the outstanding bail requirements, bringing to an end his overnight detention at Chimbokaila as he awaits the next court proceedings.