The trial of the Martinez Zogo assassination case took a significant turn on October 27, 2026, as Colonel Justin Danwe Ayissi Nanga, a key witness for the prosecution, testified before the Yaoundé military tribunal. He made several allegations against high-ranking officials, including Galax Landry Etoga, the Secretary of State for Defense in charge of the National Gendarmerie. According to Colonel Ayissi Nanga, Etoga attempted to silence him and intimidate him to prevent him from revealing the truth about the case.
Colonel Ayissi Nanga also implicated Martin Savom, whom he accused of being the mastermind behind Martinez Zogo's assassination. He claimed that Savom had received the journalist in Yaoundé, executed him, and then had his body dumped in Ebogo. The colonel alleged that Savom's role in the crime was central and that his implication was certain. Furthermore, he accused two other officers, Colonel Otoulou and Colonel Bialo, of deliberately ignoring Martinez Zogo's last phone calls to protect Martin Savom.
The colonel's testimony also touched on the issue of Amougou Belinga, another accused in the case. He claimed that Colonel Bialo had been tasked with persecuting Amougou Belinga and his co-accused, despite his refusal to do so. Colonel Ayissi Nanga had previously suggested that Amougou Belinga be released due to lack of evidence. He also revealed that he had written a letter to the Director-General of the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (Antic), suggesting that the agency seize the phones of those implicated in the case.
In his testimony, Colonel Ayissi Nanga expressed frustration that some officials were trying to shift the blame to soldiers who were not involved in the crime. He described the situation as inhumane and emphasized that it was essential to uncover the truth. The trial is ongoing, and the defense team for Martin Savom has not yet reacted to the allegations made by Colonel Ayissi Nanga.
Martinez Zogo, a journalist, was assassinated in January 2023, and his body was found in Ebogo. The case has been highly publicized, and several officials have been implicated in the investigation. Colonel Ayissi Nanga's testimony is seen as a significant development in the case, and many are awaiting the reactions of the accused and their lawyers.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. Martinez Zogo's family and colleagues have been demanding answers, and the government has been under pressure to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with many witnesses expected to testify.
The investigation into Martinez Zogo's assassination has been ongoing for several months, with several officials implicated in the case. The government has established a commission to investigate the crime, and several arrests have been made. However, many questions remain unanswered, and the case continues to be a major concern for human rights groups and journalists.
Key points
- Colonel Ayissi Nanga implicated Galax Landry Etoga, Martin Savom, and other officials in the Martinez Zogo assassination case.
- The trial is ongoing, with several witnesses expected to testify.
- Martinez Zogo was assassinated in January 2023, and his body was found in Ebogo.
