This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21937983

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Zambia's ex-President Rupiah Banda pleads not guilty Zambia's ex-President Rupiah Banda pleads not guilty
(about 4 hours later)
Zambia's former President Rupiah Banda has pleaded not guilty to a charge of abuse of power during his time in office.Zambia's former President Rupiah Banda has pleaded not guilty to a charge of abuse of power during his time in office.
The charges relate to an oil deal signed with a Nigerian company, which prosecutors say was meant to benefit Mr Banda and his family.The charges relate to an oil deal signed with a Nigerian company, which prosecutors say was meant to benefit Mr Banda and his family.
"No my Lord, I deny the charge," Mr Banda told the court, AFP reports."No my Lord, I deny the charge," Mr Banda told the court, AFP reports.
The ex-president says the charges are part of a political witch-hunt against him and his allies.The ex-president says the charges are part of a political witch-hunt against him and his allies.
After three years in power, he lost the 2011 election to Michael Sata.After three years in power, he lost the 2011 election to Michael Sata.
He was arrested and questioned for nearly three hours before being freed on bail on Monday.He was arrested and questioned for nearly three hours before being freed on bail on Monday.
Earlier this month the 76-year-old was stripped of presidential immunity.Earlier this month the 76-year-old was stripped of presidential immunity.
He is due back in court next month to answer further allegations when his trial starts. Prosecutors say Mr Banda instructed his son Henry to stash away the proceeds from the oil deal, which were to be used for the benefit of his family.
Henry Banda left the country shortly after his father lost power and is wanted by Zambian police.
The new government has launched a high-profile investigation into allegations of corruption by members of Mr Banda's administration.The new government has launched a high-profile investigation into allegations of corruption by members of Mr Banda's administration.
One former minister has been found guilty and is appealing against his conviction.One former minister has been found guilty and is appealing against his conviction.