A source speaking to MMI on condition of anonymity has brought to light the distressing situation of Njo Ignatius, a popular truck pusher from Commercial Avenue, Bamenda. Ignatius, who has worked in the area for over six years, finds himself wrongfully imprisoned since September of last year, accused of a crime he did not commit.
“He’s just a regular guy, helps unload trucks for a living,” explained a friend of Ignatius, who spoke to MMI “Everyone knows him around the market.”
Ignatius’ ordeal began last September when a friend informed him about a driver needing a last-minute “motorboy” for a trip to Douala. “There was a lockdown coming up here, so he saw it as a good opportunity,” the friend said. The job entailed accompanying the driver and helping with deliveries.
After successfully delivering their cargo to Douala’s Mboppi market, their journey back to Bamenda took a drastic turn. Military personnel stopped their vehicle at Bafoussam and discovered military uniforms hidden amongst the cargo during a search. Both Ignatius and the driver were arrested.
While the article’s source could not comment on the driver’s fate, they vehemently defended Ignatius’ innocence. “He wouldn’t know anything about those uniforms,” they insisted. “He just loads and unloads trucks. People who work at the market can tell you, he’s a straight-up guy.”
The situation is particularly heartbreaking due to the lack of family support Ignatius has received. “His mom lives way out in the village,” the friend explained. “She can barely afford to feed herself, let alone travel all the way to Bafoussam.” Ignatius also left behind a young child and a four-month-old baby when he was arrested.
The source implores the public and authorities to take notice: “For any investigation and more info on him, ask anyone at Commercial Avenue Bamenda where Mboppi cargo is off-loaded; he is well known there by everyone.”
MMI’s source expressed hope that media attention could bring some resolution to Njo Ignatius’ case. “There’s no money for a lawyer,” they admitted. “But maybe if people know what happened, someone can help.”
