Lawyers condemn arbitrary arrest, detention of Colleague in Douala

Lawyers in Douala have reacted angrily following the arrest of their colleague, Barrister Tamfu Richard.

Barrister Tamfu was arrested Wednesday November 18th and is currently detained at Bonanjo judicial police station.

Speaking to Mimi Mefo Info this Thursday, Barrister Akabum Watson said “…I was forcefully pushed out of the judicial police yesterday by four police men. They told me they are working on instructions from the hierarchy that no one should visit Barrister Tamfu Richard without prior authorisation. This is really sad for Cameroon believed to be a state of law”.

Bar Akabum said the reasons for the arrest of Barrister Tamfu Richard has not been officially stated.

However, other sources say the arrest and detention is in connection to lawyers/military men confrontation at the Bonanjo court of First instance last week. “Tamfu protested police brutality agains his colleagues, that is why he was arrested,” MMI was told on Wednesday.

The lawyer explained that a group of lawyers in Douala led by the representative of Bar Council president in Douala are to meet the state counsel at 10:00am Thursday November 19th.

On how Barrister Tamfu was arrested, “… he was called by someone who pretended to be a client for them to meet around Akwa palace. When Bar Tamfu reached there he was immediately arrested by police men and taken to Bonanjo.”

Bar. Tamfu Richard is a well known human rights lawyer Cameroon noted of defend the rights the poor and people abused by those in power.

Mbatho Ntan.