The long-awaited hearing involving the lead investigator in the Martinez Zogo case has concluded in Yaoundé, shedding light on the complex web of allegations surrounding the murdered Cameroonian journalist.

Colonel Otoulou defends his investigative work

Colonel Jean-Pierre Otoulou took the stand to justify his inquiry, stating that he possessed evidence showing that journalist Bruno Bidjang—then an associate of businessman Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, a key defendant in the case—had attempted to gather information about the investigation targeting him.

While Bidjang sought to prove his innocence, the lawyer representing Martinez Zogo’s heirs denounced what he described as interference in the legal process.

“This simply confirms what we suspected from the start. He did indeed try to infiltrate this joint commission in an investigation that was supposed to concern him,” said attorney Calvin Job.

Lieutenant-colonel claims he acted on orders

In his 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 instructions from his superiors.

Lawyers for Léopold Maxime Eko Eko, who headed the general intelligence directorate at the time of the events, argued that no evidence supports Danwe’s account.

“He went on a mission without receiving any mission order or funding. When he returned, he made no report to his superiors. The simple conclusion is that this was a personal initiative by Colonel Danwe,” said attorney Ndjana Ndjana.

Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Danwe further reiterated that Martinez Zogo’s torture did not take place in the Ekang building, which is owned by Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga.