Buea: Appeal Court Says Military Court Ruling Baseless, Grants Bail To Antoinette Kongnso

The inquiry Control Chambers of The Buea Court of Appeal has granted bail to ex girlfriend of Separatist General No Pity, after cross examinations of the provision made in the remand warrant of The military tribunal, detaining her till April 2022.

She was granted bail under the requirements of FCFA one million, two sureties, all from the Buea Municipality, with certified landed properties, which will be deposited at the Appeal Court Registry.

The Appeal Court’s ruling stated that the remand warrant of the military court, provided no concrete reasons for her to be denied bail, considering the fact that she was arrested and remanded with an eighth months pregnancy, appearing before the military court with a month old baby.
Backing the ruling, the Appeal Court noted that international laws for the child indicates that “ a child in his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguarding and care, including appropriate legal protection. This case involving a month old baby, requires special considerations.

Speaking to the press, Lead Counsel for the Appeal, Bar. Emmanuel Nkea said “ We are happy that The Appeal Court upheld our submission and granted bail, because the rulings of this case is very clear to even the blind, from the very beginning”.

Barrister Nkea continued that “ We were not sure to have Justice at The military tribunal, and examining Magistrate ruled his remand warrant, like a military man that he is. But did not provide reasons for the warrant. We expected him to say Antoinette Kongnso pertaining to her alleged crime, is a danger to the population, if she is a flight risk, all should have been stated to back the warrant”.

While indicating that the victory is a landmark to building trust in the Cameroon Justice System, the Human Rights Lawyer reveals that the judgement of The Buea Appeal Court will help to establish the rule of law in Cameroon, erasing some doubts to all doubting the Cameroonian Judiciary.

With regards to the bail, Barrister Emmanuel notes that Antoinette Kongnso will be expected to appear before the defending Magistrate, when necessary, pending the duration of the ongoing investigations to the case.

On his part, Bar. Edward Lyonga said “ Today is a great day for Antoinette Kongnso, for women, for children, for Human Rights and The Justice System of Cameroon. Many people have been doubting, but today we have seen real Justice”.

“ The Judges of The Inquiry Control Chambers brought out loopholes from the remand warrant of The Military tribunal, a decision that was made in the midst of great odds, to free Kongnso and her innocent baby”.

He like the Lead Counsel, said the military court ruled its remand warrant without reasons, a complete violation of International laws protecting women and children, for which Cameroon is signatory to.

Although the bail conditions were hard according to Barrister Edward Lyonga, he indicated that they have been fighting from The High Court to The Appeal Court, and today we celebrate. “ The fight continues” he concluded.

The lone lady and Human Rights Advocate, Sally Ndape, who has been at the forefront, with continuous advocacy for her release said “ Despite the journey has been tough, today is a great day and victory for us”.
The lady who has been with Antoinette Kongnso at delivery time, noted that she has been calling on other women to stand as one for a fellow woman.

“ We thank the judges for reconsidering our case. No matter the bail requirements, we know there is always a way out. We are happy our efforts were fruitful”.