The news of the death of journalist Samuel Wazizi spread like wild fire on social media Tuesday June 2nd 2020 after broadcast on Equinoxe television. According to the media house, a military source declared Wazizi dead, information that has left Bar. Nkea Emmanuel, lead lawyer of Samuel Wazizi confused and surprised.
Talking to Mimi Mefo Info on phone from Buea Wednesday June 3rd 2020, he says “I was surprised myself to get the 8:00 PM news of the death of my client on Equinoxe television. I granted an interview to the 6:00 PM English news of the channel explaining difficulties we as lawyers are facing in the case and what we intend to do. For now, I don’t have facts to say my client is dead or alive in detention”.
Questioned on what will be done next step to establish the truth, Bar. Nkea sounded optimistic “We the lawyers defending Samuel Wazizi are preparing for the next court session at the Buea High Court on the 9th of June, 2020. We filed another habeas corpus application for Wazizi to be brought to Court so we stand by that.”
In an earlier interview granted to Mimi Mefo Info Tuesday June 2nd, the lawyer decried the helplessness of the Buea High Court in handling the trial of Samuel Wazizi. According to him, the 21st Motorised infantry battalion in Buea keeping Wazizi has continuously disrespected the orders of the Court demanding that the journalist be brought to Court for judgement.
Defense lawyers are equally considering seeking the assistance of the human rights committee of the United Nations Organisation.
Samuel Wazizi should be noted was arrested on the 2nd of August 2019 by elements of the police station in Muea, a town situated around Buea in the South West of Cameroon.
He was later transferred to the Central Police station in Buea and finally to the 21st motorised infantry battalion in Buea. No one has seen him since his then.
Mimi Mefo Info.
