Jay Jay Banda Resurfaces in Portugal, Vows Return to Zambia in 2026

Runaway former Petauke Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Jay Banda, has resurfaced in Portugal, where he is reportedly hiding in a rented boarding house. Banda went live on Facebook last evening, addressing his 145,000 followers and pledging to return to Zambia in June next year to campaign against the ruling party.

‎Banda, notorious for using coarse language in his online broadcasts to criticise the government, escaped police custody in August last year while admitted to Chipata Central Hospital in Eastern Province. His dramatic escape led to the arrest of his wife, Lombe Chali, two police officers, and three prison warders on suspicion of aiding his getaway.

‎In January this year, the fugitive was reportedly spotted in Zimbabwe, sparking government efforts to extradite him—attempts that ultimately failed. Since then, his whereabouts remained unknown until his recent appearance online.

‎Banda, who is Zambia’s most wanted fugitive with a K2 million bounty on his head, assured his supporters during the broadcast that he is in good health. Observers noted he appeared to have gained weight and is now sporting a faint Afro hairstyle after what he jokingly described as “a year without Nshima.”

‎Authorities have yet to comment on the former lawmaker’s latest revelation and his declared intention to return to Zambia.