Witnesses of Figuil embezzlement case to testify May 12

The next hearing for the Figuil embezzlement case has been slated for May 12, 2015 for the interrogation of the accused and presentation of witnesses.

Marcel Mani, Inspector of Services in the Ministry of Finance has testified that Haman Amos, is guilty of embezzling FCFA 59 million. He testified during a hearing at the Special Criminal Court in Yaounde on Monday April 20, 2015.

The former Treasurer of Figuil Council is accused of embezzling FCFA 59 million between 2010-2014.

A detention order has been issued against him for April 22, 2014. The hearing which was presided over by a panel of judges led by Mrs. Justice Eloundou Virginie and Tchoussi André as Advocate General began with the verification of the prosecution and defence counsels.

It focused on the interrogation of the prosecution witness. Marcel Mani told the court that he headed a control team from the Ministry of Finance to the Figuil Council from March 13 to 17, 2014.

During the findings, a deficit of FCFA 59,172,783 was discovered. Haman Amos, however, argued that he was absent during the control because he was on a mission to Garoua to bring the report and on arrival, was obliged to sign the report.

Advocate General said the evidences of the prosecution witness on the control mission to Figuil has helped the court to understand that there are sufficient elements to condemn Haman Amos and that the crime is contrary to articles 74 and 184 of the Penal Code.

Prior to the defence case, Justice Eloundou Virginie sought to know whether the accused had any witnesses. He was then asked to choose the option for his defence.

Haman Amos chose to give his evidence under oath. The presiding judge has adjourned the case to May 12, 2015 for interrogation of the accused and presentation of witnesses.

He is being defended by Barrister Nkoa Elie Majoire, while the Ministry of Finance has as counsel, Barrister Bodiong Thomas of Tapa, Bodiong and Partners Law Firm.