Zambia officially charged former President Rupiah Banda for abuse of authority over a Nigerian oil deal, a government spokeswoman said on Monday.
Banda, who has been accused of misappropriating more than 11 million dollars during his three years in office, was arrested and then later released on a bond, said Namukolo Kasumpa, a spokeswoman for the government’s investigation team.
He will appear in court again on Tuesday, she said.
Zambia this month stripped Banda of immunity from prosecution, a sign it was getting closer to bringing formal charges against him. Banda, who led Africa’s top copper producer from 2008 to 2011, has maintained his innocence.
The former president was questioned for nearly three hours after his arrest, his lawyer Sakwiba Sikota said, adding that Banda had done nothing wrong.
Banda later appeared before supporters telling them to remain calm and that he would win his case in court.
Banda was defeated in 2011 by rival Michael Sata, whose government has launched several high-profile corruption probes into deals struck by the former administration. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Just 11million dollars snd they are arresting the guy ..make dem come naija see mad looting!
ReplyDeleteAbi O. Just 11million dollars. That na wetin 1 governor go chop for Nija.
ReplyDeleteMay God save Nigeria
Yes, I agree people get away with worse in Nigeria. We have a lot to learn from these guys - have we ever really investigated (talk less of arresting) any of our former "leaders"? Rather, are we not handing out "pardons"?
ReplyDeleteHowever, just for the record, let's not compare apples and oranges. Zambia's 2012 GDP was $2 billion, so this $11 million in Zambia is equivalent to someone stealing $1.35 billion in Nigeria in relative terms.
All the same, corruption is corruption
So why link Nigeria in the scam? Abi na another Haliburton palava in which only the mugus abroad will be convicted while the real Nigerian beneficiaries will be made chief Launchers at the next PDP fund raiser!
ReplyDelete