Cameroon’s Martinez Zogo case: key investigator concludes high-stakes hearing

A crucial hearing wraps up in Yaoundé

The main investigator in the Martinez Zogo case, Colonel Jean-Pierre Otoulou, has finished giving testimony in a highly anticipated hearing. Otoulou defended his investigative work, stating he had gathered solid evidence, particularly regarding attempts by Bruno Bidjang—then an associate of businessman Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, a leading suspect in the case—to obtain information about the inquiries targeting him.

While Bidjang sought to prove his innocence, the lawyer for Martinez Zogo’s heirs denounced what he called interference in the judicial process. “This simply confirms what we suspected from the start. He indeed tried to infiltrate the joint commission in an investigation that was supposed to concern him,” said attorney Calvin Job.

Lieutenant-colonel claims he acted on orders

During exchanges with Colonel Otoulou, Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Danwe of the DGRE admitted to planning the surveillance, abduction, and torture of Cameroonian presenter Martinez Zogo. He also reportedly assembled the operational teams using DGRE personnel. However, he suggested he had received instructions from his superiors.

Lawyers for Léopold Maxime Eko Eko, then director general of general intelligence, argue that no evidence supports Danwe’s account. “He went on a mission without receiving any mission order or funding. When he returned, he made no report to his hierarchy. Simple conclusion: this was a personal initiative by Colonel Danwe,” said attorney Ndjana Ndjana.

Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Danwe also reiterated that Martinez Zogo’s torture did not take place in the Ekang building, which is owned by Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga.