12 Lawyers Defend SCNC in the matter between the state and some 15 Southern Cameroons activists

The presiding Judge, Mrs Beatrice Nambangi, in the matter between the state and some 15 Southern Cameroons, SC activists, adjourned the case to August 17, 2016, when a full panel of the court would be available. She officially charged the activists for unlawful assembly, punishable under section 232 of the Penal Code. The defense team at the July 27 session, was led by Senior Bar Council member; Barristers Njualem Charles also included Barristers Eboa Ehabe, Nkea Emmanuel, Njilla Stephen, Keme Nicholas, Lekunze Benvolio, Lawrence Lyonga, James Enu, Obi Ayuk as well as AITs Evanjo Abel and Kenneth Ngwabo.

“We pleaded in vain, for bail to be granted the activists including Chief Ekane Ivoson of Bangem and blind a man , Mukete Ngoe and some university students who are supposed to be writing exams,” disclosed Barrister Blaise Berenyuy. One of the detainees, Check Nyah, was reportedly not brought to court. The state counsel, for unclear reasons did not issue a production warrant for Nyah, who is said to be one of the students in detention.

The atmosphere around the Buea Court of First Instance remained tensed on July 27 as family members, rights activists, students and curious onlookers trooped in, to watch the detainees in handcuffs, being dragged to the dock. Security men, some in plain cloths, were also spotted. Defense lawyers also said, the circumstances leading to the arrest of those in detention on July 17 remain worrying. “Security forces swooped on people who were at a restaurant behind Bicec Molyko, Buea. Even the restaurant owner is said to be under arrest. They are being detained and tried for intending to hold a meeting. They were still looking for food to eat when the police swooped on them. Their intention is unjustly been criminalized,” added one of the lawyers.

The Southern Cameroons activists clamoring for the independence of Ambazonia (former UN Trust Territory of the British Southern Cameroons under the UK, ) including the blind man and student, would have to spend more than two weeks at the Buea Central prison, awaiting trial. If found guilty, Shey Alfred Sembe,Fokum Andrew , Moto James,Njousi Abang David ,Chief Ekane Ivoson Maths,Bissong Mathias Arrey, Tabot James Arrey,Tebot Titanji Christian ,Mokube Alus Ngoe (blind),Nke Valentine,Tonjoh Peter Fehbi,Asoh Cletus ,Mbua Richard and Check Nyah, risk jail terms ranging from a 10 days to six months.