South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma did not show up on Monday at an inquiry into alleged corruption during his time in office. The country’s top court had earlier ordered Zuma to appear for the trial.

The inquiry led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo is probing allegations of high-level graft during Zuma’s nine years in power from 2009 to 2018.

Zondo said he would announce what steps the inquiry would take against Zuma at 2 p.m. local time (1200 GMT).

Zuma denies any wrongdoing but has not cooperated with the so-called “state capture” inquiry. He was removed from office by his governing African National Congress (ANC) in February 2018, in a move orchestrated by allies of his successor Cyril Ramaphosa.

Zuma’s lawyers confirmed in a letter to the inquiry that the former president, who is now 78, would not attend this week, when he had been due to give evidence.

“The summons issued for our client to appear on Feb 15-19 2021 is irregular,” the letter said, justifying his no-show.

The allegations against Zuma include that he allowed businessmen close to him – three brothers Atul, Ajay and Rajesh Gupta – to plunder state resources and influence policy.

The Guptas deny any wrongdoing. They left South Africa after Zuma was ousted.