Arrested Bamenda-based Arc Welder regains his freedom

Mr. Akong Gilbert, welder who was arrested by elements of the rapid intervention battalion (BIR) for allegedly manufacturing local bullets and explosives for separatist fighters was released on Friday morning.

Relatives who informed Mimi Mefo Infos about his arrest say they were yesterday called to report to the airport in Bafut where Akong was handed over to them “safe and sound”.

Akong Gilbert was picked up from his shop in Chomba, Bamenda and kept incommunicado for over one week.

Relatives told MMI that the BIR chief said they had thoroughly investigated Mr. Akong Gilbert for the charges against him and they found him “not to be guilty as accused”.

Several individuals accused of crimes linked to the ongoing separatist movement in Anglophone regions of Cameroon have ended up behind bars with no chance to defend themselves.

International Organizations like the Human Rights Watch has outright condemned arbitrary arrest of civilians by government forces in the restive English-speaking regions of Cameroon.