The Newuh family of both Kedjom Ketinguh and Ndong Awing villages, in the North West Region of Cameroon, still finds it difficult accepting that their firstborn, Leo Vishi Newuh, is dead.
Leo, 50, was murdered on January 6, 2025 by hired Ambazonia separatists as first reported by the Cameroon News Agency.
His younger brother, Kingsley Sheteh Newuh, confirmed in an interview with MMI that separatist fighters from Bamessing, in Ngoketunjia Division of the North West Region, carried out the killing.
The resident of Buea, in the South West, had travelled to his village, Kedjom Ketinguh, also known as Babanki Tungo, for a project. Unknown to him, someone wanted him dead.
Armed separatists led by Ngeh Cyprian, popularly known as ‘General The Only Bro’ stormed the family compound on the morning of January 6 and took him. He was tortured and then taken to a neighbouring area of the village known as Techu.
Moments later, family members received calls from his captors requesting a ransom of FCFA 10 million. They were using his phone to call family members.
As the family rushed to raise the money and save his life, they received another call that he had been shot.
Mr Kingsley Newuh told MMI that images and videos he received after, confirmed that the separatists tortured his brother before brutally killing him.
Individuals Implicated in the Killing
The family have several reasons to believe it was a hit job. Kingsley said the Amba fighters who were behind the crime spoke to them on phone.
They are believed to have been contracted and paid by people from his native village, Kedjom Ketinguh.
“And so far, my investigations show connections to many people in high positions within the village,” he said.
Detailing how the killers planned the act, he said he received a call at 8:53 am on January 6 from the kidnappers, demanding a ransom of FCFA 10 million. They wanted the money within one hour.
“I responded that we will try and raise as much as we could and let them know if we need more time. A few minutes later, the kidnappers were using my brother’s phone to call me. Leo told us they had already indicated they were going to kill him on the instructions of two people—Buiengeh Isaac and Toh,” Kingsley Newuh narrated.
He said, when they got off the phone to keep looking for money, with the hope that this could buy Leo’s life, they again, by 9:11 am, received another call. This time, it was announcing his brother’s death.
Web of Conspiracy
Viwun Isaac Buingeh, known in Kedjom Ketinguh as Buie, is a very powerful man in the village. He allegedly controls the Kwifon, which is the traditional regulatory body in the village.
“But it was not just him and Toh. There are many others involved,” Kingsley added.
Kingsley further added that his preliminary investigations have uncovered a complex web of conspiracy and treachery.
“I have uncovered evidence showing that Ngeh Cyprian colluded with some military persons in Ndop a few weeks ago to kill Tum Raymond,” he told MMI.
Raymond, who allegedly repented from being an Ambazonia separatist, died at the hands of the Cameroon military a few weeks ago in the Techu quarter of Kedjom Ketinguh.
Unanswered Questions about Leo’s Killing
Kingsley, who lives in the United Kingdom, has been questioning why someone would do such a thing to his brother.
He described Leo as an adult with childlike honesty and transparency.
“He was not partisan and believed in the best for society,” he said.
“Many of the voice notes he left in public forums attest to this,” he added.
Leo’s unwavering dedication to speaking out against injustice, advocating for the truth, and fighting for the well-being of their village made him a target, he said.
He said even in death, Leo’s voice, filled with passion and conviction, could never go silent.
“Leo’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and a love for his people that burnt brighter than fear. Though he is no longer with us, his ideals and the light he shone in the darkest corners of our community will continue to inspire us to stand for justice and peace,” he added.
Leo might be dead, but not his truth.
Justice for Leo
Kingsley has sent a message to those implicated in Leo’s killing, that though dead, his brother’s ideals triumph.
“To the Ambazonia separatists and their sponsors who cut his life short, know this: you may have ended a life, but you have not extinguished the fire of truth and justice that Leo fought for.”
He added that, though gone, Leo remains a leader and hero whose sacrifices they will never forget.
Hopes of Judicial Investigation to Track Down Perpetrators
Leo’s family says they are earnestly expecting the authorities to carry out a thorough investigation to arrest all those responsible.
From the voice notes listened to so far, Leo had challenged the authorities, such as the chairman of the village traditional council.
He advocated for transparency and reforms in the village.
And recently, the Kwifon placed him on house arrest because he dared to express these opinions.
“So having someone from the kwifon implicated in his murder leads me to believe they are connected,” Kingsley told MMI.
Fon’s Silence
Since Leo’s death, the Fon of the village has not said a word yet. Leo’s family believes the Fon’s silence stems from the involvement of an influential person from the palace in his death.
“The fon is yet to make a statement about this. I am hoping he does soon. The involvement of someone linked to the kwifon makes this a serious issue that affects the entire sanctity of the village. The Fon is a very honest and transparent person and will surely do all in his power to ensure justice is done,” said Kingsley.
Leo was living in Buea, South West Cameroon. He never knew going to the village for a project was going to end his journey on earth.
“Everyone is still in shock considering that Leo has never been ill and hospitalised. So for him to die so suddenly and brutally is something that will take a while for us to come to terms with,” said Kingsley Sheteh.
Leo has left behind a wife, daughter, and family members to mourn him. He is brother-in-law of Cameroonian international journalist and CEO of Mimi Mefo Info, Mimi Mefo Newuh. His death leaves a vacuum in the family.
