Gov’t Ministers, security operatives cited as witnesses in Martinez Zogo trial

By David Atangana

Several top Government Ministers have been listed to testify as witnesses in the ongoing trial of journalist Martinez Zogo murder suspects.

Also listed are several members of the State security apparatus.

The case of Martinez Zogo, who was murdered in January 2023, is being heard at the Yaounde Military Court.

At least 17 suspects held under pre-detention trial include business magnate, Jean Pierre Belinga Amougou, and the former director of Cameroon’s military spy unit, Maxime Eko Eko.

The case, which has a semblance of a State crime, has now seen several Ministers as well as state security operatives cited as witnesses.

Some of the Ministers cited, according to a list MMI obtained, include Justice Minister Laurent Esso; Secretary General at the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh; Finance Minister Louis Paul Motaze; and the Minister Director of the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency, Samuel Mvondo Ayolo.

Amongst security officials to testify before the court are Colonel Outoulou Jean, Legion commder of the Center Regional Gendarmerie; Colonel Mengadah Ignace Walter, Deputy Director of Personnel of the National Gendarmerie; Police Commissioner Mgah Didier; Center Regional Delegate of National Security and the Commander of the Mfoundi Territorial Gendarmerie Group, Lt-Colonel Ayissi Nanga Parfait.

The trial of suspected killers of journalist Martinez Zogo opened at the Yaounde military court on March 25, 2024, after months of judicial investigations.

The case has witnessed two adjournments so far following disagreements by defense and prosecution teams over legal procedures.

The trial was last heard on April 15 and adjourned to May 6 to primarily address: the validity of the state’s constitution as a civil party; the communication of the witness list; and the commencement of substantial debates.

It should be recalled that Zogo was abducted by hooded men on January 17, 2023, while returning from work.

On January 22, his body was found in Ebogo, around 15km from Yaoundé.

Zogo’s body was found naked and in an advanced state of decomposition showing signs of torture.

His body was transported to the Central Hospital of Yaoundé, where an autopsy was held and confirmed that he was brutally murdered.

Before his abduction and killing, Journalist Martinez Zogo worked for Amplitude FM, a privately owned radio station where he was host of a critical talk show called ’embouteillage’.

©Mimi Mefo Info