Martinez zogo trial reveals shocking torture video in Yaoundé
At the ongoing trial concerning the murder of Cameroonian radio host Martinez Zogo, shocking new evidence emerged this week in Yaoundé. A video depicting the late journalist in a state of severe distress was presented before the military court, sending tremors through the courtroom.
Zogo’s brutal abduction and murder in January 2023 shocked the nation. The popular radio personality, known for his fearless criticism of public figures in Cameroon, was abducted from the streets of Yaoundé on January 17, 2023, and found lifeless five days later, 25 kilometers from the capital. His body bore unmistakable signs of torture, a grim testament to the violence he endured.
The June 1st hearing focused on digital evidence, as Professor Georges Bell Bitjocka, a forensic computing specialist, testified about his analysis of the accused individuals’ mobile devices. Among the findings were disturbing visuals and screenshots that have now been presented as key evidence in the case.
A chilling revelation
For the first time, the court viewed a harrowing video showing Martinez Zogo bound, bloodied, and pleading for help. The footage, recovered from the personal digital storage of one of the accused—Godje Oumarou, a suspected member of the commando responsible—left an indelible mark on all who witnessed it. In the packed courtroom, many broke down in tears as the haunting images played out.
Attorney Ludovic Zabze, representing the radio station Amplitudes FM, shared his visceral reaction: “By the end of the video, I couldn’t bear to look at the accused. Even they appeared visibly shaken by what they saw. The emotional weight of this moment is overwhelming.”
Digital evidence ties key figures to the crime
The testimony revealed a damning conversation from January 17, 2023, where a high-ranking official allegedly instructed an accomplice to “take pictures of the mouse”—a coded reference to Martinez Zogo. Meanwhile, defense attorney Séri Zokou vehemently denied any connection between his client, Maxime Eko Eko—former director-general of Cameroon’s external intelligence agency—and the crime. “Our client has no involvement whatsoever in these events,” Zokou asserted, arguing that the phone data presented lacked relevance to Eko Eko.
Professor Bitjocka also examined devices linked to other accused individuals, including media mogul Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, businessman Bruno Bidjang, and local official Martin Savom.
A landmark trial with far-reaching implications
The case, which has captivated the nation, traces back to January 22, 2023, when Martinez Zogo’s lifeless body was discovered. The 51-year-old host of the popular radio show “Embouteillages” was known for his unyielding criticism of societal ills and powerful elites—though notably, he spared President Paul Biya from his sharp commentary.
The investigation, led by Colonel-magistrate Pierrot Narcisse Nzie, culminated in the indictment of 17 suspects, all currently detained. Among them are high-profile figures such as Eko Eko, Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Danwe—a former operations director at the external intelligence agency—and Savom, a mayor from the Central region.
The trial, which commenced on March 25, 2024, after prolonged procedural delays, entered substantive hearings on September 1, 2025. With the introduction of this newly revealed video evidence, the proceedings have taken a decisive turn, shedding light on the brutality behind one of Cameroon’s most notorious crimes.
