Martinez Zogo case: Military judge makes U-turn, says office did not sign documents

A judge at the Yaounde military court, Colonel Sikati II Kamwo Florent, has refuted claims that he signed a document, acquitting two high-profile detainees.

On December 1, 2023, a document circulated on social media whereby, the Judge allegedly acquitted the two men, Cameroon’s Police Intelligence Director, Eko EKo Maxim, and Business guru and media owner, Jean Pierre Amougou Belinga.

The two men were arrested earlier this year for an alleged role in the torture and death of journalist, Martinez Zogo, who was a whistle-blower and manager of Amplitude radio station in Yaounde.

Zogo who had confidential embezzlement files and often released them to the public, was captured and tortured to death in February 2023.

One of the persons who confessed to having been the leader of a group of Cameroon secret service men, Justin Danwe said he was acting on the instructions of Eko EKo, who was also working for Amougou Belinga.

A document allegedly signed by the military judge caused a stir in Cameroon with many social media users, saying they knew the case would go nowhere because of the caliber of the detainees.

But later on Friday night, the said Judge refuted these allegations, adding that his office did not sign any of such documents. He also said the release of these men or not, would only come when the case has been thoroughly investigated.

But Cameroonians think that Colonel Sikati must have been warned about the consequences of such actions, “He must have received a call from Etoudi ( Presidential palace) in the night that he is playing with fire, THIS case is not playing matter in palace,” one person said.

Another Cameroonian said, “Anything can happen in Cameroon. At any time. Land of blood, a country where innocent blood is spilled daily just because of power.”