Crimes court rejects Esther Lungu’s appeal to overturn forfeiture of K66 million property

The Economic and Financial Crimes Court (EFCC) has rejected former First Lady Esther Lungu’s bid to appeal a ruling ordering the forfeiture of her state lodge flats, valued at K66 million.

In a decision delivered on November 7, 2024, the EFCC panel, consisting of Judges Pixie Yangailo, Ian Mabbolobbolo and Vincent Siloka, found her case “unconvincing and without merit.”

The judges reviewed their previous ruling from September 27 and examined Lungu’s grounds for appeal, ultimately concluding that her arguments did not meet the criteria for a higher court appeal.

They dismissed her contention that non-conviction-based forfeiture is a new area in Zambia, noting her case lacks the “public significance” needed for escalation.

Citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Bidvest Food Zambia Limited & Others v. CAA Imports & Exports, they emphasized that public importance required more than private interests, which Lungu’s case failed to demonstrate.

Lungu’s appeal raised seven points, including an argument that the court wrongly labeled her properties as “tainted.”

She asserted that the flats were financed by her husband, former President Edgar Lungu and argued the court unjustly focused on her finances alone.

However, the panel found her claims insufficient, ruling there were no grounds to support an appeal.

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