In December 2019, EYIBAKA MEMBOUYA Vianney was found in possession of three ivory tusks when he was about to sell them which led to his arrest. During his interrogation, he recognized and declared that the products belonged to his brother-in-law MANGALA Norbert who brought them six months before from his workplace near the Ivindo national park. Eyibaka was charged by his sister to get rid of the products, what he first did and then went back to the place two weeks later to collect them, which led to the arrest of MANGALA Norbert. During his interrogation, MANGALA recognized been the owner of the ivory tusks that he found in the bush before bringing them to Makokou. He declared to not understand why the tusks resurfaced because he asked that they should be destroyed.
Country
Territorial subdivision
Type of court
Seat of court
Libreville
Court jurisdiction
Date of opinion
2020
Abstract
Language of document
French
Reference number
Decision No 007/2019-2020
Charges
Possession of ivory tusks; attempt to trade in and possess ivory tusks.
Species
Transnational
No
Decision
EYIBAKA MEMBOUYA Vianney was found guilty of possession of and attempt to trade in ivory tusks; MANGALA Norbert was found guilty of possession of ivory tusks.
Appealed
No
Penalty
EYIBAKA MEMBOUYA Vianney and MANGALA Norbert were sentenced each to two years imprisonment including one year suspended; to a fine of XAF 2,300,000 (two million three hundred thousand); The accused was sentenced to pay XAF 2,000,000 (two million) as civil damages; The accused were sentenced 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