The trial of the 17 suspects accused in the murder of journalist Martinez Zogo faced another delay as disagreements among defence lawyers over a pending appeal ruling disrupted proceedings at the Yaoundé military court on Monday, July 8.
The court, which had convened to proceed with the case, instead adjourned it to July 29, 2024.
The delay stemmed from an appeal filed by defence lawyers at the Centre Regional Court of Appeal. They contested a ruling by the military court that denied their request to duplicate copies of the case file for their review.
During the session on July 8, a notable rift emerged among defence counsels regarding whether to continue with the trial or await the appellate court’s decision.
“Some defence lawyers argued that the appeal would not affect the trial and urged the court to proceed with reading the charges against the accused to commence the trial,” stated one motion presented.
In response, Barrister Calvin Job, representing the civil party, vehemently opposed this motion, asserting, “Any appeal automatically stays the proceedings.”
Barrister Jacques Mbouny, counsel for the first accused, Lt. Col. Justin Danwe, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Proceeding with the trial would be a miscarriage of justice. It is in the best interest of justice to await the outcome of the appeal.”
However, Barrister Charles Tchoungang criticised the presiding judge, arguing that the current appeal did not prejudice the case. He contended that had the judge adhered to Sections 338 and 359 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the court would not have encountered this dilemma.
In response to the discord among the defence counsels, Colonel Misse Njone Jaques Badouin, the presiding judge, decided to adjourn the proceedings until July 29, pending the appellate court’s ruling.
The appeal judgement is expected to be delivered around July 18, 2024, or shortly thereafter.
The adjournment underscores the complexities and legal wrangling surrounding the high-profile Martinez Zogo murder case, leaving the fate of the trial hanging in the balance as legal arguments continue to unfold.
