SODECOTON trial accused stand grounds

The next hearing was fixed for August 20-21, 2014.

The accused persons have opted to stand their grounds in the case pitting them in Cameroon and the Cotton Development Company (SODECOTON) against Enoh Etuge James and seven others.

They made their position clear on Tuesday May 22, 2014 during the third hearing at the Special Criminal Court in Yaounde.

The session led by Mr Justice Mathias Nyoh began with the verification of the prosecution and defence counsels. It however noticed that the accused did not have witnesses. The accused opted for self defence in the case and were given one month to prepare for their defence.

The presiding judge then adjourned the case to August 20 and 21, 2014. They are accused of attempting to embezzle over FCFA 38 billion belonging to SODECOTON.

Enoh Etuge James, former worker of Societé Général de Surveillance (SGC) who is presently on the run, was accused with seven others, Boubakari Bassobo, Tizi Drike Forbet, Ebah Gabriel, Montheu, Ngamou Tchakounte Sabin épse Linu, Wanko Fotseu Samuel Alain and Gouvernaye Dominique, accused of attempting to embezzle over FCFA 38 billion according to the Examining Magistrate’s committal order.

The case was first heard by the Criminal Matters Chamber of the Benoue High Court which declared it incompetent because the amount was above FCFA 50 million.

The case was later transferred to the Special Criminal Court in 2013 by the Garoua Court of First Instance.

Among the accused, only Boubakari Bassobo is a former worker of SODECOTON. The seven others were former workers of SGC Douala.

It should be noted that out of the eight accused only Boubakari Bassobo, Ngamou Tchakounte Sabin, Ebah Gabriel and Montheu have appeared in court so far. Wanko Fotseu Samuel is said to have died. Enoh Etuge James and Gouvernaye Dominique are still on the run.