SCC begins Célestin Ndonga's hearing

The former General Manager of the Electricity Development Corporation is accused with 14 others of embezzling FCFA 534 million between 2008 and 2009.

Hearing began at the Special Criminal Court, SCC, Yaounde on June 28, 2016, in the case pitting the State of Cameroon and the Electricity Development Corporation (EDC) against the former General Manager of EDC, Ndonga Célestin and 14 others.

Ndonga Célestin, Fotso née Nantchouang Tchiyadjeu Tchekouo Alxandrine, Anyu Azafi Rosette, Tchami Nganeleu Rachel Claire, Mballe Hortense Lydie, Mpondo Esseba, Bekolo Ntsama Simon, Ayangma Célestin, Cheugeu Isaac, Miendjem Yves, Chokote Chouateng Pierre, Beleoken Sanguen Justin, Bayo Doumou Rostand, Ndomkab Nguewo Richard and Nyangono, all workers of the EDC, are accused of embezzling FCFA 534 million belonging to the corporation between 2008-2009 when Ndonga Célestin was General Manager.

The court sitting before a panel of judges led by the President of the SCC, Mr. Justice Yap Abdou, assisted by Mr. Justice Awoung Edouard and Mrs. Justice Zibi Djessi Dine, with Mr. Justice André Tchoussi as Advocate General, began with the identification of the prosecution and the defence benches. Out of the 15 accused, Ndonga Célestin and three others were absent.

Also, most of the accused are yet to have lawyers.The presiding judge adjourned the matter to July 14, 2016, pending the appearance in court of Ndonga Célestin and the other three absentees, and for all the accused to have defence counsel.