The Yaoundé Military Court ruled on Monday, November 11, that detained business magnate Jean Pierre Belinga Amougou and Maxime Leopold Eko Eko, former director of the military’s spy unit, will remain in custody and continue to face charges related to the torture and murder of journalist Martinez Zogo. The court dismissed a motion filed by defense lawyers seeking the release of the two men and the reclassification of some charges against them.
The decision came after a lengthy hearing in which the defense argued that the investigation leading to their clients’ arrests had been flawed.
Defense Lawyers Cite Investigation Irregularities
During the 10th hearing, Barrister Charles Tchoungang, representing Belinga Amougou, and the lawyers for Eko Eko raised concerns about several alleged violations during the investigation. Tchoungang accused authorities of mishandling the case, citing 12 violations, including improper handling of the procedural file, unauthorized extensions of police custody, the absence of arrest reports, and raids on Belinga Amougou’s home without search warrants.
Tchoungang and the defense team demanded the immediate release of the suspects based on these irregularities. However, the court dismissed these claims, citing the premature nature of the objections.
Court Rules on Premature Legal Objections
In a public ruling, Colonel Misse Njone Jacques, the presiding judge, rejected the defense’s request, stating, “The Court… unanimously declares premature the exception based on the nullity of the acts of the preliminary investigation and the judicial information raised by certain counsels for the defense.”
The court further declared the requests for reconstruction of the facts and the production of investigation files as premature. Additionally, arguments regarding the illegal reclassification of charges against certain suspects were also dismissed.
Seventeen individuals face detention and charges related to the brutal killing of Martinez Zogo. Tongue Nana Stéphane, Daouda, Lamfu Johnson Ngam, and several others faced retained offences, and the court rejected their motions for release.
Case Adjourned for the 12th Time
The court has now adjourned the trial for the 12th time since the suspects faced trial months ago. The next hearing takes place on Monday, December 2, 2024, as the prosecution presses forward with its case against the accused.
The case has attracted significant attention because of the high-profile suspects and the serious charges connected to the death of Martinez Zogo, a well-known journalist killed under mysterious circumstances earlier this year.
