The Douala Supreme court hits hard on embezzlement case: Siyam Siewe gets a life sentence

The Douala Supreme court hits hard on embezzlement case: Siyam Siewe gets a life sentence
12/06/2009 The former General Manager of the Doula Ports Authority and three others have been sentenced to life in prison.
The verdict came at about 8:30 PM yesterday 11th of June 2009 at the Douala Appeals Court. The court also confirmed the 15 year sentence given to the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port Authority, Edouard Nathanael Etonde Ekotto while the former Deputy General Manager, Simon Pierre Ewondo Noah who was earlier sentenced to ten years in prison shall now serve fifteen years.

Siyam Siewe was appealing a 30 year prison sentence handed down by the Wouri Court of First Instance on 13th of December 2007.

Judgment was overturned for nine of the thirteen accused during the said trial; eight received very severe sentences but for Teguel Maurice, an army officer who was sentenced to one year in jail though absent from the court proceedings yesterday.

This second verdict concerning the State of Cameroon and Ports Authority against Alphonse Siyam Siewe former General Manager was read out in a tense atmosphere.

To ensure order in case of an eventuality, about 150 gendarmes and police officers were put on duty.

Some members of the Bar Council were outraged at the sentencing of Etienne Abessolo, a lawyer amongst the accused. This is the final verdict;

1. Alphonse Siyam Siewe; life in prison

2. Assana Mba’a Thomson; life in prison

3. Kandem Bathelemy; life in prison

4. Siewe Nintcheu; 25 years

5. Etienne Abessolo; 15 years

6. Edouard Nathanael Etonde Ekotto; 15 years

7. Simon Pierre Ewodo Noah; 15 years

8. Babila Tita; 15 years

9. Martin Zibi; 15 years

10. Cheukam Marie epouse Tchatcho; 15 years

11. Faustin Dingana; 15 years

12. Wensitcheu Nincheu; 15 years

13. Teguel Maurice; 1 year

Apart from the time in jail, they have been ordered to pay 75 378 308 010 francs in damages.

Alphonse Siyam Siewe who is former General Manager of the Ports Authorities has also been Minister of Water and Energy.

Pamela Bidjocka, Editor