Martinez Zogo Case: Defense Lawyers Insist Amougou Belinga, Eko Eko be Freed

Defence lawyers for businessman Jean Pierre Amougou Belinga and Maxime Leopold Eko Eko, suspects in the murder of journalist Martinez Zogo, have asked the court to drop all charges against them.

During the 12th hearing of the case Monday, December 2, 2024, lawyers for the two high-profile suspects resurrected a release order allegedly signed a year ago.

The then-investigating judge and vice president of the Yaounde Military Court, Sikati Kamwo, signed the release.

On Friday, December 1, 2023, two documents emerged revealing extreme developments in the case that has hitherto been dragging in court.

Both decisions bore the name and signature of Magistrate Sikati II Kamwo Florent Aime, Vice President of the Yaounde Military Tribunal.

The first document with reference No.080/OR/CI/SIK/YMY, ordered the release of businessmen Jean Pierre Amougou Belinga and Leopold Maxime Eko Eko, former Director General of the military spy unit.

Additional documents emerged, including a ruling ordering the Registrar of the Yaounde Principal Prison to immediately free the aforementioned persons.

While the public was still digesting the turn of events, the second document signed by the same judge popped up, terming the release order as fake.

Defence lawyers are now using these documents to support their claims that they were authentic and signed by judicial authorities.

Barrister Josiane Florence Ngoumou, Counsel for Eko Eko, claims that Jean Didier Nkoa, the court clerk at the time, handed her the release order in his office.

But he ‘mysteriously’ took it back after receiving a suspicious phone call.

Suspicious Transfers After Dec 1, 2023, Controversy

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the two conflicting documents that resurfaced in the case, the government promptly implemented changes at the court.

Judge Sikati Kamwo was transferred to the Northern Region, simultaneously losing his position as vice- president of the military court.

Before his release, Jean Didier Nkoa, the clerk at the centre of the controversy, spent a week in custody without facing any charges.

The court quietly installed a new clerk, reinforcing the impression of opaque administrative rules.

Next Hearing Slated for Dec 23, 2024

The new twist by defense lawyers prompted an adjournment of the case to December 23.

The court faces a tough challenge to restore serenity to the court amid internal tensions.

The next hearing promises to be decisive as defense lawyers press on with their line of argument.

Amougou Belinga and Maxime Eko Eko are among 17 suspects accused of murdering journalist Martinez Zogo in January 2023.