The Last Great Ape Organization LAGA -Cameroon ( an NGO specialized in Wildlife Law Enforcement) conveyed reliable information on some illegal trafficking activities in the town of Sangmelima to the Divisional Delegate of Forestry and Wildlife of Dja and Lobo. On this basis, elements of the said conservation service proceeded to arrest the accused MBELEK Rigobert on the 15 November 2017 at AFAMBA Hotel in Sangmelima. He was found in possession of four (04) elephant ivories and 10 kilograms of giant pangolin scales, all trophies of totally protected class A animal species. He pleaded guilty as charged acknowledged committing the offences. At the close of interrogations, he was transmitted together with the seized products before the State Attorney for prosecution.
Country
Territorial subdivision
Court
Type of court
Seat of court
Sangmelima
Court jurisdiction
Date of opinion
2017
Abstract
Language of document
French
Charges
Illegal possession and circulation of trophies of totally protected animal species.
Species
Transnational
No
Decision
He was found guilty of illegal possession and circulation of trophies of totally protected animal species.
Appealed
No
Penalty
He was sentenced to six (6) months suspended imprisonment term within three (3) years, to pay 150.000 XAF for fines, 30.850 XAF for costs and 2.625.000 XAF as civil damages to the state of Cameroon through the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife.
Legislation cited
Law No. 94-01 of 20th January 1994 to lay down forestry, fisheries and wildlife regulations, secs. 98, 158
Penal Code, sec. 74