Emmanuel L is under detention at the Yaounde Central Prison pending judgement.

Emmanuel L is currently at the Yaounde Central Prison for breaking into the home of one Mr Nde on February 14, 2009 in Mbatu Village, North West Region, making away with all his belongings. The issue is under hearing at the Yaounde Court of First Instance.

The plaintiff, Nde, said last April, while travelling to Bamenda from Yaounde, he discovered some luggage at a travelling agency in Bamenda which contained articles that were stolen from his home in Mbatu. Interrogating those working at the agency, he was told the owner of the luggage had already travelled to Yaounde but left his phone number so as to be contacted when the things leave Bamenda for Yaounde. After a careful examination of the luggage, Nde recognised the bed which was found in his children’s bedroom. On returning to Yaounde, Nde made sure he travelled alongside the luggage in a bid to track down the person who will come for them. Just as he had arranged, Emmanuel L was arrested and taken to the Mvog-Betsi gendarmerie in Yaounde.

At the Mvog-Betsi gendarmerie, Emmanuel L said he bought the bed from a student at the Higher Teacher’s Training College in Bambili when he was working at a certain credit union in the area. Investigations were carried out in this light but no positive results were obtained. But because gendarmes at the Mvog-Betsi brigade wanted to be sure that the bed belongs to Nde, they travelled to Mbatu to carry out investigations which came out positive. Later, Nde explained how he was called by gendarmes of the Mvog-Betsi brigade at the request of Emmanuel’s wife. His wife wanted to negotiate with Nde on the issue but since Nde was not in Yaounde, the encounter never took place. Later, it was reported that Emmanuel had escaped from the brigade. After six months, he was re-arrested thanks to Nde who met him during his early morning keep fit exercise. It is at this point that Emmanuel L was handed to the State Council of Yaounde. While in court, Emmanuel pleaded not guilty and insists that he bought the bed from a student. The case has been adjourned for February 10.

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