Country
Territorial subdivision
Type of court
Seat of court
Libreville
Court jurisdiction
Date of opinion
2020
Abstract
In September 2020, agents of the Haut-Ogooué research antenna were informed that one individual was in possession of ivory trophies that he intended to sell. An investigation was then opened that led to the arrest of INOUSSA BALIMA who was found in possession of four ivory pieces weighing 6.53 kg in total. During his interrogation, he declared not to be the owner of the products that he received from FOUDOU Robert who was looking for a client. After having kept the products, he went to the hospital where he met the buyer before been arrested. FOUDOU declared been the owner of the four tusks that he picked up in a garbage before giving them to INOUSSA who knew a buyer.
Language of document
French
Reference number
Decision No 033/2020-2021
Charges
Complicity of possession of ivory tusks, Possession and attempt of trade in ivory tusks.
Species
Transnational
Yes
Decision
Foudou Robert was found guilty of complicity of possession of ivory tusks; Inoussa Balima was found guilty of possession and attempt to trade in ivory tusks.
Appealed
No
Penalty
Foudou and Inoussa were sentenced each to 24 months imprisonment including 12 months suspended; The two accused were sentenced to a fine of XAF 27,752,500 (twenty seven million seven hundred and fifty-two thousand) including XAF 25,752,500 (twenty five million seven hundred and fifty-two thousand) suspended; The two accused was sentenced to pay XAF 2,000,000 (two million) as civil damages and to pay the costs; The court ordered the sealed products to be made available to the competent administration.
Legislation cited
Decree No 163/PR/MEF setting the conditions for the possession, transport and trade in wild animal species, trophies and hunting products
Forest Code