In September 2020 in Franceville, Alimi Adissa Yacouba was approached by somebody who wanted his assistance to buy ivory in exchange of a mobile phone. Alimi then contacted Mba Obame who promised the tusks. However Mba Obame later on gave up and directed Alimi to Ndemba Esaïe who informed him that his friend Steven was possessing two ivory tusks that he wanted to sell. Alimi then gave XAF 500 for taxi to Mba Obame and Ndemba Esaïe to collect the ivory and conclude the transaction with the posing buyer. When they were about to conclude the transaction they were arrested by Water and forests agents. During the interrogation, Alimi declared that he wanted to sell the ivory in exchange of a mobile phone. Mba Obame declared to have transported the ivory from Steven’s house to the workshop of Alimi and Ndemba declared to have convinced Alimi to sell the ivory.
The Public Prosecutor And The Ministry Of Water And Forests Rep/Ndong Nguema Alain Vs Mba Obame Darel Jennifer, Ndemba Esaie, Alimi Adissa Yacouba
Country
Territorial subdivision
Type of court
Seat of court
Libreville
Court jurisdiction
Date of opinion
2019
Abstract
Language of document
French
Reference number
Decision No 034/2020-2021
Charges
Complicity of possession of ivory tusks, Transport and Complicity of possession of ivory tusks, Possession and attempt to trade in ivory tusks.
Species
Transnational
Yes
Decision
Ndemba Esaïe was declared guilty of complicity of attempt to trade in ivory tusks (requalified); Mba Obame was declared not guilty of transport of ivory tusks; Alimi Adissa was declared guilty of possession of ivory tusks; Mba Obame and Ndemba Esaïe were declared guilty of complicity of possession of ivory tusks.
Appealed
No
Penalty
Ndemba Esaïe was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment including nine months suspended; Mba Obame and Alimi Adissa were sentenced to two years imprisonment each including one year suspended; XAF 16,325,000 (sixteen million three hundred and twenty-five thousand) as fines including XAF 13,325,000 (thirteen million three hundred and twenty-five thousand) suspended; All three accused were sentenced to pay XAF 3,000,000 (three million) as civil damages and to pay costs. 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