Threats and Intimidation Follow Publication on Prison Conditions in Buea

In the wake of a damning exposé by MMI regarding the dire conditions at Buea Central Prison, an unexpected twist has emerged: threats and intimidation from Mirabel Asaah-ngu, who claims to be the sister to Henry Asaah-ngu Ndama, the Regional Delegate of Penitentiary Services for the South West Region of Cameroon.

After MMI published a moving image of the crowded sleeping quarters inside Buea Central Prison along with a scathing critique of the country’s criminal justice and prison systems, the controversy broke out. The post questioned the prolonged detention of individuals awaiting trial and the overall humane treatment of inmates.

“This is the sleeping conditions in the Buea Central Prison. There are many people here who have been awaiting trial for months or years. Some, who might be innocent, are held here. What is wrong with the Cameroon justice and prison system, that results in such inhumane treatment of young people? We hope Henry Asaah-ngu Ndama, who is the Regional prison administrator, (delegate) for the South West, will help us answer this question,” MMI’s post read.

The response from Mirabel Asaah-ngu, sent privately to MMI’s messenger and Whatsapp, was unexpectedly hostile. “Remove my brother’s name in that nonsense. He is not the prison administrator of Buea Central Prison, he is the Regional Delegate,” Mirabel asserted in one message. In subsequent messages, she continued to berate MMI for not verifying facts and accused them of spreading false information.

“You are warned to remove that picture if you care give deaf ears,” Mirabel wrote, closing with a challenge to MMI’s credibility and their commitment to Cameroon’s welfare.

The incident highlights some of the issues over press freedom and the safety of journalists who dare to scrutinize the actions of public officials and institutions. MMI, known for its investigative journalism, has not shied away from confronting issues of public interest despite potential backlash.

MM is reaffirming its commitment to journalistic integrity and the responsibility to hold authorities accountable. “We stand by our reporting on the conditions in Buea Central Prison. It is our duty to bring to light issues that affect our society, including the treatment of individuals within our justice system,” MMI’s editor said this morning.

Meanwhile, Henry Asaah-ngu Ndama has not publicly commented on the incident involving his sister, nor has there been any reaction to the issue of prison conditions. His role as Regional Delegate of Penitentiary Services places him in a position of authority over prisons in the South West Region, though the distinction between his role and that of a prison administrator remains a point of contention.

The messages of threats and intimidation received by MMI further highlight the challenges faced by journalists in Cameroon, where freedom of the press is very precarious.

MMI however, remains steadfast in its mission, despite the intimidation, to shed light on issues that impact the lives of Cameroonians, particularly those most vulnerable within the justice system.

Mimi Mefo Info