Tension In Yaounde At Marafa’s 2nd, 3rd & 4th Appearances In Court

Embezzlement Trial:

- Why Fru Ndi Called-off His Presence

- Cross Examination Brings Out 5^th Letter

By Musa Isa

Government has persistently worked on strategies not to give the arrest and detention of Marafa Hamidou Yaya, former Minister of State for Territorial Administration and Decentralization any prominence. Last week, troops were deployed to block the entire street leading to the Mfoundi high court in Yaounde. Access into the on day III and IV of the embezzlement case pitting the state of Cameroon against Marafa, was a nightmare. The security presence is what Chronicle learnt, the case over the alleged embezzlement of some 24 billion FCFA meant for the purchase of a presidential jet could henceforth be heard even without any audience (public view). Even Ni John Fru Ndi, the SDF national chairman whose presence had been signaled in court stayed away. Day III and IV of the hearing were apocalyptic, confirming what Prof Ndiva Kofele Kale, Marafa’s lead counsel averred: “that Marafa’s 5^th letter would be released but in court”.

The scenario last Tuesday July 24, replicated what transpired when the matter first came up some 2 weeks ago. At least 5000 people thronged the court premises, just to catch a glimpse of Marafa. A he was brought-in, thought late at 4pm, the crowd gave him a presidential ovation. Day II was just for Marafa to plead ‘not guilty’ to the charges proffered against him.

Probably irked by the popularity Marafa was garnering, security measures taken were thereafter draconian. On day III last Thursday July 26, the road was blocked; access into the hall was restricted. Even journalists were blocked from getting in. the same strategy was adopted the next day, Friday July 27, 2012.

Ahead of last week’s session, Chronicle gathered that the SDF national chairman had signaled his presence in court. But when the case against Marafa, which he had long dumped was rehabilitated, he became numb. Ntarinkon sources hinted Chronicle that Fru Ndi saw it as a trick thus called-off his trip. The Fru Ndi/Marafa case which was billed for the court of first instance in Yaounde on same Tuesday July 24 like the Marafa embezzlement case did not hold. Both parties were note even present.

Ntarinkon sources however hinted Chronicle that with the Marafa embezzlement case to be more speedy, Fru Ndi would no doubt attend one of the court sessions. It is believed that the strict security measures undertaken was in a bid to avert the excitement and commotion which Fru Ndi’s presence can cause, when he appears.

Meanwhile, on Day III just as Day IV of the hearing, Marafa was involved in a browl with Michel Meva’s M’eboutou former minister of finance. Meva’s Meboutou appearing as a witness told the court that his role was merely to ensure that he transmits the 31million US dollars (24 billion FCFA) from Societe Nationale d’Hydrocarbures, SNH, for the purchase of the plane: that the money was paid in cash and not through any letter of credit. He said this was effected after a series of meetings chaired by Marafa, who was secretary general at the presidency at the time.

As if he was unveiling another fifth letter, Marafa disagreed with Michel Meva’a. Marafa told the court that at no time did he give instructions for the said disbursement. Marafa posited that he was unaware about the transactions with GIA international, an intermediary company that allegedly received the sum of 29 million USA dollars, for onward payment to Boeing, the manufacturer of the Albatross.

Very exciting developments are expected from the court, moreso as some 14 witnesses have been announced to present their evidences before Justice Gilbert Schlick, President of the Mfoundi high court.