In November 2017, Akoua Simon, Loh Emmanuel, Bengone Laurent and Mamadou were passing through Befam village going to Alati near Cameroon. Biya Ngueck Olivier the chief of Befam arrested them and seized their weapon rifle 375. The following day Biya Ngueck asked them to go with him at Megobe village to carry out a big hunting expedition for him before he could give back the weapon to them. At Megobe Biya Ngueck and Akameyong Pythagore gave the weapon, five bullets and food to Akoua, Loh, Bengone and two carriers. After three days Akoua Simon killed two elephants and one carrier picked up one tusk on their way back. Akameyong collected five tusks and the weapon and promised to pay them, give them back the weapon and bring them back to Befam. They were later on abandoned at Megobe by Biya and Akameyong and arrested by rangers following investigations.
The Public Prosecutor's Office and the Sangha Departmental Directorate of Water and Forests vs Akoua Simon, Akameyong Pythagore, Biya Ngueck Olivier Djouna, Loh Emmanuel
Country
Territorial subdivision
Court
Type of court
Seat of court
Ouesso
Court jurisdiction
Date of opinion
2018
Abstract
Language of document
French
Reference number
No. 101/2018
Charges
Killing of totally protected species (elephants), complicity of killing of totally protected species (elephants); illicit circulation and trade in trophies (ivory tusks).
Species
Transnational
Yes
Decision
Akoua Simon was found guilty of killing totally protected species (elephants); Akameyong Pythagore, Biya Ngueck Olivier Djouna, Loh Emmanuel were found guilty of complicity for the killing of elephants; Akoua Simon, Akameyong Pythagore, Biya Ngueck Olivier Djouna, Loh Emmanuel were found not guilty of illicit circulation and trade in trophies (ivory tusks).
Appealed
No
Penalty
Akoua Simon, Akameyong Pythagore, Biya Ngueck Olivier Djouna and Loh Emmanuel were sentenced to five years imprisonment each, XAF 5,000,000 (five million) as fines jointly; The execution of the imprisonment term was suspended; Akoua Simon, Akameyong Pythagore, Biya Ngueck Olivier Djouna, Loh Emmanuel were sentenced to pay XAF 3,000,000 (three million) as damages jointly and court fees; The Imprisonment in default of payment was fixed at one month for the recovery of fines, two months for damages and one month for court fees.
Legislation cited
Law No 37-2008 of 28 November 2008 on wildlife and protected areas