Journalist Junior Abena suspended for alleged involvement in Herve Bopda affair

By Amina Hilda

Cameroonian journalist Junior Abena has been suspended by the Cameroon Journalists’ Trade Union (CJTU) for his alleged involvement in the network of sexual predators allegedly operated by Douala-based businessman Herve Bopda.

The CJTU’s Regional Executive Office of the Littoral, in a statement issued on January 31, 2024, disclosed that Junior Abena, who is the brother of one of Bopda’s associates, Xavier Abena, is alleged to have intimidated victims of Bopda’s alleged predatory actions.

The Hervé Bopda case has gained widespread attention on social media, with numerous testimonies exposing the business man’s purported predatory behavior and his alleged connections to various Cameroonian government authorities.

According to the CJTU’s statement, whistleblower N’Zui Manto made a social media publication accusing Junior Abena of intimidating victims and certain women involved in the Bopda affair.

Manto also asserted that Abena is the older brother of Xavier Abena, described as the right-hand man of Hervé Bopda.

In light of these accusations and the inability to reach Junior Abena for his side of the story, the CJTU has taken a precautionary measure, suspending him from “all forums and activities of the CJTU… while waiting for all the light to be shed on this scabrous affair.”

Testimonies circulating indicate that Xavier Abena reportedly played a role in facilitating Hervé Bopda’s alleged actions, involving luring young girls to his residence for subsequent sexual abuse and assault.

The Herve Bopda affair was brought to fore by N’Zui Manto, who made startling revelations about a network of sexual predators which Bopda allegedly operates.

Manto said he had obtained testimonies from over 100 women and young girls, who claimed they were raped, kidnapped and molested by Bopda and his men.

Hervé Bopda’s case has prompted national and international outcry, with calls for justice echoing from various quarters, including the Cameroonian Government through the Ministry of Women Empowerment and the Family.

Bopda was arrested on the morning of Wednesday, January 31, 2024, in response to mounting pressure and public outrage.

However, several individuals implicated in the case, including Junior Abena’s brother, Xavier Abena, have reportedly gone into hiding since Bopda’s arrest, deepening the intrigue surrounding the scandal.

Mimi Mefo Info