Hold-up at Ecobank - prosecution presents two witnesses

The case was adjourned to April 23, to continue hearing prosecution witnesses.

The fifth hearing of the case concerning the hold-up at Ecobank Bonaberi two years ago continued at the Douala Military court on Monday April 8 hearing began, which saw the presentation of prosecution's charges on the detained military officers and civilians. In examining the first witness, Commandant Essomba explained that apart from direct field intervention immediately the assault was noticed, the team of investigators got most information from one of the suspects named Aristide Ndoumbe of Nigerian nationality, but born and bred in Douala. After arresting Dominique Wirkon who was brought by the local population after being caught along the banks of the river Wouri (supposedly trying to reach the gang members who had left by boat). The investigators checked his mobile telephone's call list and frequent numbers were shortlisted for identification. Thus Aristide Ndoumbe was identified through a call listing provided by MTN and Orange operators. However, the court requested that the document should be handed in a conformed copy. Meanwhile the following morning, Saturday March 19, 2011 at the bank premises, the population brought another suspect Emmanuel Fanka to the investigators, given his agitations that his brother has been caught. He turned out to be the proprietor of the vehicle that transported the assailants to the bank premises.

Upon his detention, Commandant Essomba narrated, Aristide Ndoumbe revealed that on the night of March 18, 2011, the Nigerian camp led by a certain "Hanga" came on boat from Washington Bay, while the Cameroonian team arrived Ecobank by car. He role was to guide the pilot through the shortcuts on the high sea. Meanwhile the master minder, known as Jeff and his brother Kingsley (both of Nigerian nationality) were lodged at Hôtel La Liberté and Hôtel du Rail in Bonaberi, respectively. He equally denounced marine officers Nestor Ndeke, Oundi Assamba, Ngwayi Cosmas, Joseph Wanlebele, Charles Ukum, Ticky Mbappe and a civilian Dieukumo Atieduko as having participated actively as armed bandits and driver. The only female accused, Etonde Guysso a former worker in Ecobank was accused of giving details about where and when to get the money; while two Nigerian civilians, Igiehon Churchill and Obih Simeon are said to have been identified by two different eye witnesses. However, the mysterious Jeff and Kingsley was still indentified and at large. The second witness, Commandant Noah, testified the same things. During cross examination, the defense refuted all the above, while bringing in new arguments. The hearing will continue on April 23.