In Cameroon, the investigation into the assassination of journalist Martinez Zogo led on February 26, 2024 to the reclassification of the charges against some of the people accused. The military court, in charge of judicial information, notified Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Danwe, former director of operations of the Cameroonian counter-espionage service (DGRE), and Martin Stéphane Savom, mayor of the commune of Bibey, two of the main accused in this case, that they will now be prosecuted for “ complicity in assassination “. Three others will have to answer to the accusation “ of assassination “.
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With our correspondent in Yaoundé, Polycarp Essomba
Of the twenty people charged, five are currently subject to these reclassifications. These therefore include the former director of operations of the DGRE, Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Danwe, formerly prosecuted for “ complicity in kidnapping and torture ”, now accused of “ complicity in assassination “. Lieutenant-Colonel Danwe, who has long admitted to having played a role in the kidnapping and torture of Martinez Zogo but who today denies having participated in any assassination planning.
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Under the same offense of complicity in assassination, Martin Stéphane Savom, known to be the mayor of the small town of Bibey, located 260 kilometers from Yaoundé. Searches carried out at his home and the exploitation of his mobile phones in recent weeks made it possible, according to RFI sources, to establish his links with Martinez Zogo, but also Justin Danwe and the members of the commando.
As for the qualification of assassination, it would concern three DGRE agents. This is a notable development in the conduct of judicial information. Because, until now, the people charged had essentially had to answer for the facts of “ complicity in torture by aid and non-compliance with instructions “.
I was a little surprised. I wonder why this requalification? My client is clear on this and categorical: there was never any question of taking Martinez Zogo’s life.
Justin Danwe’s lawyer, Maître Jacques Mbuny
These requalifications were one of the requests from the counsel of Martinez Zogo’s rights holders. Master Calvin Job, their lawyer, spoke Monday evening “ a relief » while asking that all the people involved in this procedure be affected by these reclassifications.
The beneficiaries of Martinez Zogo see that a qualification in line with the torture suffered by Martinez Zogo is taken by the investigating judge.
Maître Calvin Job, lawyer for the beneficiaries of Martinez Zogo