Country
Territorial subdivision
Court
Type of court
Seat of court
Douala
Court jurisdiction
Date of opinion
2019
Abstract
On the 10 November 2018 around 2 a.m., two boats fell in an ambush near the Bonaberi Bridge in Douala. When the marine brigade was searching in, another canoe was seen carrying on board eleven suspicious bags and having no passenger but only the boatman. the excavation of said bags uncovered 219 ivory tusks for a total weight of 472.7 kg. The pilot boatman (HAPPY Mathias) was arrested and put under police custody. The following day, his acolytes TUMUYA and CHOURUPOUO came to meet the commander of the marine brigade for him to free Happy Mathias. But they were arrested as accomplice of Happy Mathias. At the close of interrogations, they were transmitted before the State Attorney for prosecution.
Language of document
French
Reference number
No. 163/FD/COR
Charges
Illegal possession and circulation within the national territory of totally protected animals species trophies (Elephant tusks) and complicity.
Species
Transnational
No
Decision
HAPPY Mathias was found guilty of illegal possession and circulation within the national territory of totally protected animals species trophies . TUMUYA Seidou Jonathan and CHOURUPOUO CHOUAIBOU were found guilty of illegal possession and circulation within the national territory of totally protected animals species trophies in complicity.
Appealed
No
Penalty
HAPPY MATHIAS was sentenced to two (02) months fixed term imprisonment. TUMUYA Seidou Jonathan and CHOURUPOUO CHOUAIBOU were sentenced to pay 50.000 XAF each for fine. The three accused persons were sentenced to pay 41.945 XAF for costs, and 100.000.000 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. 78, 98, 10, 155, 158
Penal Code, sec. 74