Cameroon baby theft scandal: Barrister Emmanuel Simh tells Minister Manaouda to address COVID-19 embezzlement scandal with same promptness

By Tata Mbunwe

Douala-based lawyer, Emmanuel Simh, has said Public Health Minister, Dr Manaouda Malachi, should shed light on an embezzlement scandal surrounding the management of COVID-19 funds, with the same promptness he used in settling the alleged baby theft saga that rocked the Douala Laquintinie Hospital this week.

Barrister Simh was shocked at how fast Minister Manaouda intervened in rescuing the hospital’s image from being tainted, meanwhile he could not rescue his Ministry from corruption and embezzlement.

His views came a day after the Minister visited Laquintinie, where he peacefully resolved a viral case of an alleged baby theft at the hospital.

At the end of the Minister’s visit on Thursday, the mother of the said baby, Bell Esther Aurelie, withdrew claims that her baby had been stolen at birth.

“We would still have liked to have had the same promptness in producing some insights into the management of Covid funds by your Ministry, following the publication of the report of the Audit Bench, from which the extract is given below. I can wait until Monday for that. I am going into retreat for the Paschal Tridium. Have we not recently been recommended prayer? I leave you my peace, Excellency Minister. And above all, be healthy,” the Barrister Simh wrote.

Last year, following multiple reports about the mismanagement of COVID-19 funds, the Audit Bench of the Supreme Court faulted the Ministry Public Health in eight areas.

Prominent among them was the disappearance of a stock of COVID-19 related medications worth 536.4 million and an over billing of 15.3 billion francs for the benefit of a company importing screening tests.

The Supreme Court also noted many “bad practices” at MINSANTE and the violation of existing protocols in medical purchases.

Over one year since this was published, the government has remained silent about holding those responsible to account.

Mimi Mefo Info

Mimi Mefo Info (MMI)

Recent Posts

Over 100,000 Students Resume School in Anglophone Regions, Despite Separatist Lockdown

By Tata Mbunwe More than 100,000 secondary school students resumed classes in Cameroon's two Anglophone…

15 hours ago

Samuel Eto’o oublie le RDPC et tient le MRC pour responsable de la situation du Cameroun et des camerounais

Dans une publication faite ce vendredi 18 septembre 2026 sur sa page Facebook, Samuel Eto'o…

2 days ago

Samuel Eto’o attaque frontalement le MRC et dénonce une « campagne de destruction » orchestrée contre lui

Le président de la Fecafoot a relayé, ce vendredi 18 septembre 2026, une interview de…

2 days ago

Prosper Germoh Shines at AFRIMMA 2026 as Sole Cameroonian Gospel Nominee

By Tata Mbunwe Gospel artist, Pastor Prosper Germoh, has returned from the 2026 African Muzik…

3 days ago

Cameroonian Franklin Mufor stabbed to death in Pretoria as family seeks answers

The 40-year-old was found dead after leaving home to charge his phone nearby. His killing…

3 days ago

Blizzy Dice Sets Record Straight on False Arrest Story, Opens Up About Fatherhood and New Music

Cameroonian musician Blizzy Dice, whose real name is Angafor Kwechan Fuebunui Cylfred, has admitted that…

3 days ago