14 years after demolition of his home: Joe Chebonkeng wins 37 million FCFA lawsuit against Yaounde businessman.

The businessman was found guilty of complicit in destruction of the properties of Joseph Chebongkeng.

He was slammed a one-year suspended jail term and a fine of 37 million FCFA, to be paid to the journalist who served with the state broadcaster, Cameroon Radio Television, CRTV. 

The businessman was equally ordered by the court to pay the sum of 21 million FCFA in compensation to the family of Tsanga Ebode, whose residence was also illegally destroyed in the neighbourhood same day. 

The verdict was delivered after 14 years of legal battle, with the case suffering several adjournments. 

The incident, it should be recalled, occurred on February 12, 2010, in the Emana neighbourhood in Yaounde.

That unfortunate day, Folefack brought in caterpillars and destroyed several houses, rendering some 14 families homeless. 

The illegal demolition was conducted under the supervision of a bailiff and law enforcement officers. 

The businessman had claimed ownership of the large piece of land on which the houses of the victims were found. 

Many people who had gone out of their homes that ill-fated day came back only to discover that their houses had been destroyed.

They are said to have lost valuables, including documents like birth certificates and academic certificates, among other valuables.

The defendant is said to have brandished a decision from the Centre Court of Appeal, ordering the demolition of the houses on claims that the disputed land belonged to him. 

However, the supposed land title which Folefack had presented, indicated that the land was undeveloped. 

Folefack had reportedly lost the case at the Yaounde Magistrate Court after the affected families filed the court. 

In the demolition process, Folefack went overboard and touched on houses not included in the disputed parcel of land, amongst which was Chebonkeng’s residence.

The victims later seized the court, and Folefack was arrested and placed on pre-trial detention at the Kondengui Prison in Yaounde. 

He was charged with destruction, violation of residence, and other related offences. He is said to have been released on bail. After investigations ensued, the houses destroyed were evaluated by experts.

The case at the Yaounde Magistrate Court then progressed at a snail pace marked by several adjournments with some six judges simultaneously hearing the case. 

With the case dragging for a period spanning 14 years, some victims are said to have passed on without being served justice on the matter. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3178 of Wednesday July 24, 2024