Former Zambian president, Mr. Rupiah Banda, was arrested on Monday by the country’s law enforcement agents over allegations of corruption and abuse of office, following a crude oil import deal with Nigeria.
Banda, according to an online news agency, hotnaijanews.com, was also alleged to have misappropriated about $11m during his three-year reign as President of the country.
The country’s authorities are accusing him of procuring oil which did not benefit the country.
He was said to have imported crude oil from Nigeria without actual deliveries, despite the fact that the funds were deposited into the bank account of his son.
Banda, who was released from police custody and is due to appear in court on Tuesday, however, said the moves against him are politically motivated.
He was questioned for close to three hours after his arrest related to the oil deal Monday before he was released on bail.
Banda denies the charges, and his lawyers claim the arrest is an attempt by current President Michael Sata to silence him.
After his release, Banda appeared before his supporters and told them to remain calm, reassuring them he would win his case in court.
Earlier this month, parliament lifted Banda’s presidential immunity, clearing the way for him to be prosecuted for several corruption and abuse of office charges.
Banda lost to President Michael Sata in 2011 elections. The new government has been pursuing the corruption investigations against the former leader and his political allies.
Banda, born 13 February 1937, was President of Zambia from 2008 to 2011.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.