Bamenda Embezzlement Trial - Accused Counsel Absent

The case against the former Registrar-in-Chief of the Bamenda Court, Victor Tambang Mbang Menji, was adjourned to December 5, 2013.

At about 10:50 a.m. on Thursday October 24, the second case between the former Registrar-in-Chief of the Bamenda Court of First Instance, Victor Tambang Mbang Menji and the State of Cameroon, represented by the Ministry of Justice opened at the Special Criminal Court in Yaounde with the appearance of various parties involved in the case but for the lawyer of the accused and the representative of the State.

The Head of the panel of Judges, Mr Justice Bea Abednego Kala said hearing of the case could not begin especially as the accused could not take his plea in the absence of his lawyer as well as the representative of the State. The matter was adjourned to December 5, 2013. Yesterday's court session began with the presentation of various parties on the different legal benches as well as the identification of the accused. Sitting in for the Legal Department was Advocate General, Richard Wanki while Barrister Emmanuel Nyoh represented the Civil Party.

The Committal Order bringing Victor Tambang before the Special Criminal Court was read. Mr Justice Bea Abednego Kala asked if a representative from the State or the Ministry of Justice and Keeper of the Seal was present at court. The representative from the Legal Department said he had written to the Minister of Justice and was yet to receive a reply.

Although the lawyer of the accused, Barrister Samuel Nge Nji had written to the court wishing that the case be adjourned to November 7, the head of the panel of judges hearing the case said the date was not convenient for the court. Thus, the case was adjourned to December 5 to make sure that the accused's lawyer as well as the representative of the State are in court.

The former Registrar-in-Chief of the Bamenda Court, Victor Tambang Mbang Menji is accused of embezzling over FCFA 60 million amongst other offences. This is the second time he is brought before the Special Criminal Court. The preliminary inquiry of the current case against Victor Tambang was conducted by the Examining Magistrate of the High Court of Mezam and since the amount is more than FCFA 50 million, Victor Tambang has been committed to appear before the Special Criminal Court for trial.