Interrogation of the lead investigator concludes
Colonel Jean-Pierre Otoulou took the stand to defend his investigation into the Martinez Zogo case. He asserted that he had gathered evidence, particularly regarding attempts by journalist Bruno Bidjang, then an associate of businessman Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga—one of the main suspects—to obtain information about inquiries targeting him.
While Bidjang tried to prove his innocence, the lawyer for Martinez Zogo’s heirs denounced what he called interference in the proceedings. “It simply reveals what we suspected from the start. He indeed tried to infiltrate the joint commission in an investigation that was supposed to concern him,” stated attorney Calvin Job.
Lieutenant-colonel claims he acted on orders
In exchanges with Colonel Otoulou, Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Danwe of the DGRE admitted to planning the surveillance, abduction, and torture of Cameroonian presenter Martinez Zogo. He also reportedly assembled the operational teams using DGRE personnel. However, he suggested that he had received orders from his superiors.
Lawyers for Léopold Maxime Eko Eko, director general of general intelligence at the time of the events, argued that no evidence supports Danwe’s version. “He went on a mission without receiving any mission order or funding. When he returned, he made no report to his superiors. Simple conclusion: it was a personal initiative by Colonel Danwe,” dismissed attorney Ndjana Ndjana.
Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Danwe further reiterated that Martinez Zogo’s torture did not take place in the Ekang building, owned by Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga.
