By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
23-year-old hairdresser and social media activist, Junior Ngombe, arrested in Douala on July 24, transferred to Yaoundé, has been released. He was released on July 31.
In a press conference following Ngombe’s release, Barrister Akere Muna, who led the defense counsel, announced that his client had been released on bail.
“This morning, we were informed that he would be released on bail. We signed the bail agreement, obligating us to ensure his appearance when required,” Barrister Akere stated.
He added, “He has not been charged yet. After the investigation, authorities may decide to either drop the case or press charges.”
However, the barrister highlighted the concerning trend of civilians being tried in military courts, a practice contradicting international treaties signed by Cameroon.
“These are issues that can be raised in due course. But it is crucial to emphasize that liberty is at stake,” he added.
He expressed satisfaction with Ngombe’s treatment while in Yaoundé and the court, noting that the personnel were considerate. “They could have made conditions harsher to intimidate him psychologically. Ngombe is intelligent, and I am impressed by his behavior.”
According to lawyers present at the press conference, unidentified individuals in civilian attire apprehended Ngombe in Douala without providing a reason. Ngombe was taken to a Gendarmerie station in Douala on July 24 before being transferred to the Secretariat of State for Defense (SED) in Yaoundé the following day.
In Yaoundé, Ngombe was questioned by a Colonel in charge of investigation about the reasons for his detention. When he stated he was unaware, authorities explained that he was suspected of committing offenses related to spreading false information and inciting violence.
Barrister Akere revealed that upon learning of the incident, he accompanied other lawyers to be present during Ngombe’s testimony. His file was transferred to the court, returned to the SED on July 30, and brought back to court on July 31 before his release.
Meanwhile, Bernadette Nguele, Ngombe’s mother, expressed gratitude to the lawyers who supported her son during the ordeal. “It hasn’t been easy but I am happy to be going home now,” she said.
However, many believe Ngombe’s arrest is linked to TikTok videos where he encouraged voter registration for the 2025 presidential elections, advocated for democratic regime change, and challenged the authorities’ intolerance of criticism.
Since his arrest, civil society and opposition figures called for his release using the #FreeJuniorNgombe hashtag on social media. Human Rights Watch (HRW) demanded Ngombe’s release, dropping of charges, and respect for his rights to freedom of expression and opinion.
Maurice Kamto, National President of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC), issued a statement demanding Ngombe’s immediate release. He stressed that Ngombe represents a peaceful and engaged youth eager to participate in the democratic process. Kamto condemned the state’s silencing of dissenting voices and warned of severe consequences for the nation as the presidential elections approach.
Joshua Osih, President of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) and Member of Parliament for Wouri, voiced deep concern over Ngombe’s detention, highlighting his use of TikTok to advocate for peaceful change. The SDF pledged to investigate the circumstances of Ngombe’s arrest and urged the government for transparency.
The Center for Human Rights in Africa (CHRDA) declared Junior’s arrest and detention arbitrary in a statement released on July 30, 2024.
Cameroon has a history of suppressing dissent, with numerous political activists, human rights defenders, and journalists imprisoned. According to city dwellers along the streets of Yaounde, recent crackdown on freedom of expression is particularly alarming as the country approaches presidential elections.
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