Cameroon journalists detained over alleged theft of minister's glasses

Four journalists in Cameroon were detained and imprisoned following allegations that they stole eyeglasses belonging to Alamine Ousmane Mey, the Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development. The incident occurred on September 16, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé during a closing ceremony for the Islamic Development Bank Group events.

The journalists identified as François Essomba, Igor Gwet Bibey, Solange Djuikam, and Pierre Mouchili were held in custody for several days. The National Union of Information and Communication Professionals (SPIC) has condemned the arrests as “arbitrary and abusive,” noting that the detention was based solely on suspicion without concrete evidence.

The situation concluded after the Minister reportedly found his glasses inside his own vehicle. Although the journalists were released, the SPIC is demanding reparations for damage to their honor and medical check-ups for the individuals, citing the poor conditions experienced during their imprisonment.