Cameroonian artist Saint Désir Atango accused of incest Appears in Court Under Heavy Disguise

According to internal sources and on-the-ground observations, Atango was discreetly transferred early this morning — around 8:00 a.m. — by officers of the Centre Legion. Dressed in all red and partially concealing his identity with a container slung over his back and held before his face, the embattled artist attempted to avoid recognition as he was escorted into the courthouse.

The charges center on allegations of incest, reportedly involving his biological daughters. Cameroon’s Penal Code, under Article 360, explicitly criminalizes sexual relations between blood relatives, including between parents and their children or between siblings. The penalty ranges from one to three years of imprisonment, along with a fine of 20,000 to 500,000 CFA francs. However, the same article stipulates that prosecution can only proceed upon the formal complaint of a blood relative, unless there is evidence of a publicly known concubinage or incestuous marriage.

Despite public outrage and mounting pressure, legal proceedings remain in limbo. A source familiar with the case confirms that no formal complaint has yet been filed by the daughters, who are alleged to be both victims and defenders of their father. “They are standing by him fiercely,” one court observer told Cameroon Concord, referring to Atangana Nga’Ottou and Bengon, the musician’s daughters, whose names have now surfaced in legal documents.

Earlier today, all local legal representatives reportedly refused to represent Saint Désir Atango, with multiple lawyers declining to meet him after he was placed in a holding cell. His counsel from Yaoundé later arrived but was unable to prevent the decision issued by the prosecutor: a “soit-transféré” — an administrative return to the Gendarmerie.

This follows a preliminary detention order (mandat de dépôt) issued on June 2, 2025, which placed Atango in Mfou’s main prison. Sources claim the same prosecutor has also requested the questioning or detention of the daughters involved, though it remains unclear whether this will occur or under what charges.

Legal analysts point out the complexities of prosecuting incest under Cameroonian law. “Without a formal complaint from the alleged victims, the justice system is severely constrained,” explains a legal expert based in Yaoundé.

The story has sent shockwaves across the country, igniting debates on incest laws, parental abuse, and systemic silencing of victims in family-centered societies.

“This case is far from over,” one judicial officer noted. “Until one of the daughters files a formal complaint, we’re in a legal deadlock. But public attention is keeping the matter from being buried.”

Call to Action:
This revelation raises urgent questions about the enforcement of incest laws in Cameroon and the societal barriers that prevent victims from speaking out. If you have further information related to this case or similar incidents, contact the Cameroon Concord investigative desk securely.