Policemen Accused Of Complicity In Suspects' Escape

By Francis Tim Mbom

Some policemen attached to the Limbe Police station are under investigation following the escape of three suspects from their custody on March 16.Among the escapees is one Joseph Mafany Molongo, who is a principal suspect in an FCFA 10.5 million suit.

Molongo is said to have escaped with the alleged complicity of some policemen, among them Inspector Peter Nuster, who were on duty that night.

It is alleged that Molongo and two other detainees who escaped that night, might have bribed their way out. The Judicial Police in Buea are said to be investigating Nuster and his colleagues on allegations of bribe taking to set free the detainees.

The continuity of the FCFA 10.5 million civil suit no. LM 132/03 before the Limbe Magistrate Court is now in jeopardy following Molongo's escape.

Molongo's Crime

Molongo was arrested late last year and detained by the police for allegedly duping the Deputy Cashier of the Limbe Treasury, Mrs. Rachel Halman of FCFA 14 million. During one of the sessions in the Limbe Court,  one Harriet Eyambe Chuo, one of the alleged victims of Molongo, recognised him and immediately informed the court of the allegations.

She is said to have told the court that Molongo, acting in complicity with one of her relations, John Eyambe Ngoh, fleeced her of FCFA 10.5 million, which she is claiming in the above suit.

Besides Molongo are two other accused persons: Jonathan Effia and John Eyambe Ngoh, respectively as second and third accused.

Continuity Threatened

Lawyers of the accused persons Thursday, March 24, urged the court to discontinue the matter on grounds that the principal accused person, who was in flight.

The counsel argued that the principal accused person was in flight and as per the law, when an accused goes on the run, a case is ripe for withdrawal.But the State Counsel for Limbe, Magistrate George Njukeng, prayed the court for more time to be given them to track down Molongo.

"The law says that we withdraw a case for some one who is either dead or on the run. But it is still too early for this case to be withdrawn," Njukeng stated. His argument was pegged on the fact if the case is hastily withdrawn, it might open the gateway for other detainees who will start buying their way out of custody, thereby escaping justice.

The Presiding Magistrate, Paul Ngute, held that Molongo's escape was as a consequence of the "carelessness of the police."The defence lawyers further predicated their arguments for a withdrawal on the fact that the accused persons have been too long in detention.

They also said since the accused were arraigned in court on December 22, 2004, the State Counsel has not made enough efforts to ensure that they are brought to court on days of the matter. This has caused the case to suffer several adjournments, they argued.

Magistrate Ngute adjourned the matter to April 13. He said this adjournment was to give the Limbe State Counsel more time to rearrest Molongo, failing which the court will then decide on either a withdrawal or otherwise.

Limbe Police Commissioner

Lawrence Tang Enow, the Limbe Public Security Chief, told The Post at his Bota Office on Thursday, March 24, that investigations into allegations that the detainees escaped with the connivance of the police are going on. He, however, declined to name those who are allegedly involved.

The Post further gathered that a commission was to be set up in the days ahead to sanction any of the cops who will be found guilty.
Molongo is said to have escaped on the eve of a March 17 court session to continue hearing into the FCFA 10.5 million case. Besides, the FCFA 14 million suit, in which he is also the principal accused, is still in process.

Comments

[Robbie]

Money talks!! Sad, but true...

[Pet]

This is not strange is a country where the administration is so corrupt. This happens every now and then in cameroon. Is the commisioner himself clean of such acts?

[Damala]

How much did the Inspector give the Commisioner? Not surprising because we already know how corrupt the Inspector is. From Buea to Limbe. Sure he gonna get another promotion since is the same attitude that land him his Inspector title. GOOD JOB.