CPJ salutes arrest of suspects involved in killing of Martinez Zogo, says investigations must be transparent

By David Atangana

The Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ, has lauded Cameroon Government’s efforts to fish out killers of journalist Martinez Zogo, stating that the government should ensure investigations are open and transparent.

In a statement released Monday, February 6, CPJ’s Africa Programs Coordinator, Angela Quintal, welcomed the arrest of several suspects, including Jean Pierre Amougou Belinga, CEO of Anecdote Media Group, who was cuffed yesterday alongside two of his close associates.

“It is a welcoming sign that Cameroonian authorities are conducting an active investigation into the killing of journalist Martinez Zogo, which has included the recent arrest of businessman Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga,” said Angela Quintal.

“Authorities must ensure that this investigation is conducted transparently and openly, so all can see that those responsible for Zogo’s murder are fairly held to account,” she added.

CPJ explained that, Bruno Bidjang, a journalist at Vision 4 television, and Thomas Raymond Etoundi Nsoé, a former commander of Cameroon’s presidential guard who is Belinga’s father-in-law, were also picked yesterday.

“Authorities also recently arrested Léopold Maxime Eko Eko, head of the General Directorate of External Intelligence (DGRE), and Justin Danwe, director of operations at the DGRE,” CPJ noted.

On Monday, the State broadcaster, CRTV, reported that at least 12 suspects, including some top state security officials, have so far been arrested in connection with Martinez Zogo’s killing.

This was after the government announced last week that several people had been arrested and many others were being followed in line with the killing of Martinez Zogo.

Zogo was gruesomely murdered, his body mutilated and dumped on the outskirts of Yaounde on January 22, five days after his abduction.

The former managing director of the privately owned radio station Amplitude FM was killed at a time he was investigating embezzlement allegations against Amougou Belinga.

CPJ said Belinga is a prime suspect in the journalist’s killing, after a report by Reporters Without Borders also levied direct accusations on Amougou Belinga.

Martinez Zogo’s death sparked nationwide and international outcry, with calls for President Biya’s Government to ensure journalists are better protected.

Mimi Mefo Info