Kumbo water palaver:13 suspects released on bail

Thirteen people accused of assault, destruction, threat to life and conversion of property in the Kumbo Water palaver were released on bail recently after their statements were recorded.

Shufai Yuwar, Fai Tsendzev, Fonman Lilen , Cosmas Shiynyuy Kome, Shey Ivo, Fai Wo Bamfem, Simo Edxin, Lukong Leslie, Gilbert Tatah, Njod Zeka Bertrant, Anthony Fonyuy, Patrick Tatah Bertrand and Clifford Wiyni all answered present, with their lawyer, Godlove Ngo.

Most of the suspects denied the charges brought against them, saying they did what they did with the understanding of the mission of the Nso people and their Fon.

Each of them said there was no wrong-doing in the action they carried out.

Judicial police sources said after investigations, the file would be sent to the Senior State Counsel for Bui through the Attorney General of the Northwest Region.

According to field reports, the Fon of Nso, Sehm Mbinglo I, on April 11, 2016 summoned all the Nso people to his palace and asked them to accompany the suspects to the Bamenda Judicial Police on April 15. In spite of the Fon’s plea, the response was timid.

It will be recalled that on April 1, 2016, only Shufai Yuwar appeared at the Judicial Police with Barrister Ngo.

Meanwhile, Barrister Joseph Wirgham Akuwiyadze was first summoned to the Judicial Police in Bamenda on the March 18, 2016, for his statement on the Kumbo Water saga.

Akuwiyadze stated that he reserved his statements only to be given in a court of law.

He was, however, released on bail.

The Fon of Nso was not at Judicial Police Bamenda on April 15 as earlier rumoured.