Martinez Zogo Affair: Witness testimony revives scrutiny of secret service involvement ⁰

A key moment during the September 22 hearing at the Yaoundé military tribunal was the testimony of prosecution witness Legrand Gastien Ngamby Kwimang, a sub-lieutenant who commanded the central post brigade at the time of journalist Martinez Zogo’s abduction, torture, and killing. Zogo was allegedly targeted by a commando linked to Cameroon’s external intelligence service (DGRE).

Questioned for nearly six hours, Ngamby detailed his interactions with Lieutenant Colonel Justin Danwe, then director of operations at the DGRE and considered a key defendant.

“Give him a good lesson”

Ngamby said that in late December 2022, Danwe visited his office and told him: “There is a man speaking badly about my boss. I want him to be given a good lesson.” When Ngamby asked who it was, Danwe replied: “It is Martinez Zogo.”

Although he did not see Danwe again, the two continued communicating via WhatsApp.

Orders by message

On January 3, 2023, Danwe allegedly instructed him to ensure “absolute discretion” and avoid sharing details with the men he would mobilize, adding that the “target lives in Tsinga village.” Ngamby said he did not act on these instructions.

Two weeks later, on January 17, Danwe messaged again: “The case I told you about does not interest you. The police have taken over. Delete all messages.”

After Zogo’s disappearance on January 18, Danwe told him: “Given how things are turning out, say nothing to anyone. It seems the police are after him.”

Ngamby says he did not delete the exchanges and reported them on January 19 to his superior, Lieutenant Colonel Parfait Arnaud Ayissi Nanga. Days later, Zogo’s mutilated body was discovered outside Yaoundé, prompting the head of state to order a joint police-gendarmerie inquiry.

On January 25, Danwe contacted Ngamby again, asking: “Are you in the Martinez Zogo inquiry commission? What is happening? I heard the police have some videos.”

Contradictions highlighted

Defense lawyers pointed out contradictions in Ngamby’s testimony compared to his February 2023 statement. Promoted a year later to sub-lieutenant, he now denied ever being threatened, despite telling investigators he had feared for his life and his family’s.

With several inconsistencies still unresolved, the tribunal adjourned proceedings to September 23.

Source: Sbbc