Prof. Bell Bitjoka: The Cybercrime Expert Behind Key Digital Evidence in the Martinez Zogo Case

By Njoh Linda

Prof. Bell Bitjoka, a Cameroonian cybercrime specialist and digital forensics expert, has emerged as one of the key technical figures in the investigation into the killing of journalist Martinez Zogo after helping investigators recover crucial digital evidence from a suspect’s mobile phone.

According to information presented during court proceedings on June 1, 2026, Bitjoka analyzed mobile devices belonging to suspects and successfully traced a video showing the torture of Zogo.

The footage had reportedly been deleted from one of the phones, but digital forensic techniques enabled its recovery, providing investigators with potentially significant evidence in the high-profile case.

The video footage showed what observers have described as a horrific torture of Zogo after he was abducted on January 17, 2023 and found dead five days later.

More than 20 members of Cameroon’s General Directorate for External Investigations (DGRE) were implicated in the crime, including the DGRE boss Léopold Maxime Eko Eko and his Deputy Justin Danwe, as well as renowned businessman Jean Pierre Amougou Belinga. All of them were arrested alongside several DGRE members.

The video evidence now being presented in court aims to determine responsibility after Justin Danwe ‘s explosive confession after his arrest implicated all these officials.

Prof. Bitjoka is leading the charge towards recovering all necessary digital evidence.

With nearly two decades of experience in cybersecurity and digital investigations, Prof. Bitjoka serves as an Associate Lecturer in Cybercrime at Cameroon’s National Police College and as a Judicial Expert in Cybercrime for the Courts of Appeal of the Centre and Littoral regions.

He has also taught at the National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM) and the Polytechnic School of Yaounde.

His expertise spans cybersecurity, cryptography, network security and digital forensics.

Over the years, he has trained law enforcement officers, magistrates and information technology professionals while contributing to the development of digital security strategies and cybercrime-fighting methods.

Beyond academia, Bitjoka heads a consulting firm specializing in information systems security audits and provides advisory services to public institutions and private organizations in Africa and Europe.

His work covers cybersecurity governance, digital investigations and information protection.

Prof. Bitjoka received advanced training at Russia’s renowned ITMO University in Saint Petersburg, an institution internationally recognized for research and innovation in information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and engineering.

His role in the Martinez Zogo investigation has brought renewed attention to the growing importance of digital forensics in criminal investigations, particularly in cases where crucial evidence may have been deliberately erased.