SCNC Detainees Released
By Chris Mbunwe
Ten Southern Cameroons National Council, SCNC, leaders, who were arrested on January 20, during a press conference in their Cow Street office, have been released on bail at FCFA 1 million each.
Justice Julius Nchu granted the detainees bail after listening to a plea from the SCNC defence lawyers, Barristers Harmony Bobga and Chombon.The activists will appear in court on April 17 for hearing to begin.
At press time, one of the SCNC detainees, Simon Tantoh, was still being interrogated by a different court in the Bamenda High Court premises. When the SCNC matter came up on Tuesday, March 13, the lead Defence Counsel, Bobga, argued that the activists were unlawfully detained.
He also argued that since Nfor Nfor and his group started appearing in court, it clearly demonstrated that they respect the rules of the Bamenda High Court and for the Court to take judicial notice, because despite several arrests and detentions since 2000, none of the SCNC leaders have jumped bail.
"As such, I said granting them bail was just the best the courts could do at the moment because they will always appear before the courts for the matter to proceed," argued Bobga.
He argued further that if Fon Doh Gah Gwanyin of Balikumbat, convicted for murder, could easily secure bail at the Court of Appeal, then why are people who committed a lesser crime than Fon Doh denied bail for over two months in detention.
Taking to The Post shortly after the court session, the SCNC National Vice Chairman, Nfor Ngala Nfor, said they would intensify their struggle.
He expressed their gratitude to UNPO, SCNC activists at home and in the Diaspora for their constant support and encouragement during the two months they spent in Bamenda Prison.
However, Nfor Nfor, vowed that if Tantoh is not also granted bail, they might turn down the bail offer."How can the Court be arguing that it is a different court when we were arrested for the same activity?" Nfor Nfor quipped.
We know they must be released, because, they had no case to answer. UNPO and other international organisations are on our side and we must win this war. Thanks to all those who supported us.
Posted by: rexon | Monday, 19 March 2007 at 06:20 PM
Thousand thanks to all who sent emails, all who made phone calls , all who contacted UN and other organisations to deposit their complaints, even to all who made mockeries of their demises(bc your mockeries fired us up).
As I always say justice will always prevail over injustice and good over evil so was it
Posted by: tayong | Monday, 19 March 2007 at 11:59 PM
1million x 10 =10million
How much arms can this sum buy.
How did you contribute Rexon & Tayong? Moral support!
This is misappropriation of funds. This money could have better been used for sensitization of the masses for a bigger show down.
If it was SDF militants you would have questioned the source.
The fight has not yet reached the front, we are fighting among ourselves, putting some in jails and bailing others.
Posted by: AngloCameroonian | Tuesday, 20 March 2007 at 04:27 AM
When these guys were in jail you did nothing but stay out here criticizing. Staunch supporters of Southern Cameroon like you should do something to the victims not just bullshit talking
Posted by: faarman | Wednesday, 21 March 2007 at 10:48 AM
http://www.dibussi.com/2007/03/a_baobab_fell_i.html#more
Posted by: M Nje | Wednesday, 21 March 2007 at 06:30 PM
yes I am here
Posted by: molafako | Thursday, 22 March 2007 at 11:43 AM