Woman Unlawfully Detained With Men in Douala Gendarmerie Over Settled Debt

Cynthia Nana, a mother of an 11-year-old girl, has been held illegally for three days at the Gendarmerie de Nkoulouloun in Douala despite settling a private debt and receiving an order for release from the public prosecutor. Her detention, in a cell reportedly shared with men, has drawn condemnation from her lawyer and human rights advocates, who describe it as a clear abuse of power.

“This is not only illegal, it’s a human rights violation,” said Barrister Michèle Ndoki in an interview with journalist Mimi Mefo Newuh. “Cynthia Nana is not a criminal. She was arrested over a civil matter, and even then, the debt was already paid.”

Arrest Over Civil Debt

The arrest occurred after Ms. Nana fell behind on a payment plan for a debt originally amounting to 190,000 FCFA. After paying 120,000 FCFA, she owed 70,000 FCFA and had a verbal agreement to settle the balance. However, after defaulting last month, she was detained three days ago on the orders of gendarmerie officer Medoua Achille Patrick.

Her family has since paid off the remaining amount, but she remains behind bars.

Detention Despite Debt Settlement and Release Order

According to her lawyer and reports shared with Mimi Mefo Info (MMI), not only has the full debt been cleared, but officers are now allegedly demanding an informal payment before releasing her. Ms. Nana also confirmed that she is being held in a cell with male detainees—raising serious concerns for her safety and dignity.

“She’s being detained with men, and she’s a civilian woman. There’s no legal justification for this,” said Barrister Ndoki. “A prosecutor has ordered her release, and still, the gendarmes refuse to comply. This is arbitrary detention, plain and simple.”

Risk of Prolonged Detention Over Holiday Weekend

The situation is further complicated by the calendar. With Friday marking a public holiday for Good Friday, there are fears that Ms. Nana could be held throughout the Easter weekend unless urgent action is taken.

“This woman has a child. She’s not supposed to be behind bars,” said Ndoki. “What is happening here is not law enforcement. It’s extortion.”

Widespread Concerns Over Civil Debt Detentions

Legal experts and rights groups have long raised concerns about the misuse of gendarmerie powers in civil disputes, especially those involving small debts. Under Cameroonian law, civil debts are not criminal offenses, and detention in such cases is considered unlawful.

Despite this, Cynthia Nana’s case highlights the persistence of such practices.

“The justice system is being undermined by those meant to uphold it,” Ndoki added. “This is not just about Cynthia—this is about a growing culture of impunity and disregard for the rule of law.”

Authorities have not publicly commented on the matter. Human rights groups are calling for immediate intervention to secure her release and prevent further abuses.

Mimi Mefo Info