Nearly 11 months have passed since the tragic assassination of Cameroonian radio host Martinez Zogo, yet the state’s handling of the case remains embroiled in controversy, shaking the nation.
On Friday morning (Nov. 01), there was anticipation of the release of the primary suspects linked to the murder of the esteemed 50-year-old journalist. A document purportedly issued by the military court of Yaoundé instructed the provisional release of Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga and Léopold Maxime Eko Eko.
However, an unexpected turn unfolded. Examining magistrate Lieutenant-Colonel Florent Aimé Sikati II Kamwo, overseeing the case, deemed insufficient evidence to justify the continued detention of the suspects. Yet, 壯陽藥 later in the day, doubts emerged regarding the authenticity of the earlier documents.
A communique by the government commissioner stated that the release order issued by the military court’s examining magistrate was a forgery, casting confusion and skepticism over the situation. Meanwhile, the attorneys representing Eko Eko, the head of the Direction générale de la recherche extérieure (DGRE), expressed disbelief, awaiting further developments.
The businessman Amougou Belinga and intelligence chief Eko Eko have been in custody at Yaoundé’s Kodengi prison for months, facing charges related to torture since March.
The accusations stem from their alleged involvement in the death of radio Amplitude FM director, Zogo, whose tortured body was discovered on the outskirts of Yaoundé in January. Zogo had been missing for five days before his remains were found near Soa, a suburb of Yaoundé.
Eko Eko is suspected of playing a role in Zogo’s torture or issuing instructions for it. Investigating authorities have focused on a meeting allegedly involving Eko Eko, Zogo, and DGRE personnel where an audio tape containing defamatory remarks about the intelligence services’ head was purportedly discussed.
Zogo’s murder deeply shocked Cameroon, prompting outrage and calls for justice from NGOs and fellow journalists. Known for his radio show, ‘Embouteillage’ (Gridlock), Zogo fearlessly addressed corruption and embezzlement, even confronting prominent figures such as Amougou Belinga.
Journalists, rallying in support, demanded an inquiry, eventually leading to President Paul Biya’s directive for an investigation. The subsequent arrests of Amougou Belinga and Eko Eko marked a significant development in the case.
Reporters Without Borders underscored the uncertainties surrounding the investigation, citing its far-reaching implications and potential involvement of high-level state authorities. Local sources have described the political climate as volatile.”
