WILDLEX

The 6 appellants were convicted, in a magistate court, of unlawful possession of and dealing in elephant ivory and skin and leopard skin in contravention of the Wildlife and National Parks 28 of 1992.

The accused was convicted of hunting protected game without a licence contrary to section 14 of the Fauna Conservation Act (Cap. 38:01) (1973 Rev.). The prosecution case was that a police constable told the accused that he suspected him of unlawful hunting.

The appellant in this matter was found in possession of raw Ivory and sentenced. Which it seems, he claimed he was not involved with. He was charged with contravening section 2(1)(a), read with s. 1 of Proclamation AG 42 of 1980 (as amended). And found guilty.

In June 2011, the accused Salla Ntyam sent 5 people namely Oyane Yannick, Ekomane Ongueng, Samson, Nnanga Justin, Ekomane Ntolo YUlrich and Obiang Madochet to poach in a Gabonese forest. He gave them 02 arms, 43 ammunitions, and other provisions.

On the 1st August 2011, the Chief of the Border Post of the National Security of Djoum received reliable information that a Mercedes truck matriculated CE 027-CL contains wildlife products specifically elephant ivories. A control team was set up and the said truck was seized and taken to the unit for a detailed search.

On the 28 April 2012, the accused Waya Samuel was arrested in the Central Market of Djoum. Flagrante delicto with O7 elephant tails. During interrogations, he claimed that the elephant tails were given to him by his brothers called Bombé Joel and Bekwa, who are the real owners the wildlife products.

On the 20 September 2011, the agents of the Forestry and Wildlife Control Post of Djoum, during a special anti-poaching operation, found and seized elephant tusks, 04 arms, ammunitions and knives in the house of ZO’O MINKO André who was arrested as well.

In October 2011, the accused Mengue Joel decided to carry out poaching in a Gabones forest. To succeed, he requested help from Ekomane Solomon, Atona Ferdinand, Kpwombo Marcel, to serve as carriers and a certain Masseba and Makelo Abel infamous Baka hunters. They gathered necessary provisions and embarked on the journey.

On the 7 December 2012, some elements of the Dja conservation service under patrol arrested the accused with 03 elephant ivories in his clothing shop located in the Djoim Central market. They immediately informed the Dja Head of Antenna service who further sent more elements to the crime scene.

On the 9 August 2012, elements of the conservation service of the Djoum-Mintom forest block carried out an anti-poaching patrol. This patrol was headed by the South regional delegate.