Marafa Hamidou Yaya, Yves Michel, Assene Nkou Slammed 25 Years Each

The Mfoundi High Court has convicted former Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Marafa Hamidou Yaya, former Director General of Cameroon Airlines, Yves Michel Fotso and Assene Nkou to each serve 25 years in prison. It should be recalled that hearing began at 2pm yesterday, September 20, 2012 and the verdict handed down at 7 am today morning. Sources from the Mfoundi High Court hinted that Marafa and Yves were hurriedly transferred to SED after the verdict was passed. More so, Jean-Marie Chapuis, former General Manager of the Commercial Bank Cameroon (CBC), and his colleague Genevieve Sandjon were each sentenced to 15 years each while Julienne Kounda, ex. Assistant Director General of the CBC was given 10 years imprisonment as well.
In addition to the prison sentences, those convicted are collectively ordered to pay damages and interest to the State of Cameroon to the tune of 21 billion FCFA 375 million, as they bear the costs of the trial of more than 1 billion FCFA. However, those convicted have 48 hours to appeal. Before leaving the Court Marafa is quoted to have said that 'I am disappointed not defeated". Public opinion holds that it is only in Cameroon that judgments a passed at 7 am. Besides, there is tension and uncertainty in some quarters as troops were deployed at the Mfoundi Court to chase away the public. Intimidation is reported to have been at it peak and human right activists are talking of violation of rights.

 

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