Eko Eko defense challenges evidence in Martinez Zogo trial

Lawyers representing former DGRE Director-General Léopold Maxime Eko Eko have issued a statement challenging the evidence presented in the Martinez Zogo murder trial at the Yaoundé Military Tribunal. The defense asserts that after hearing 35 witnesses—including forensic doctors, telephony experts, and DGRE officials—no material, documentary, or digital evidence has been produced to link Eko Eko to the assassination of Martinez Zogo.

A central point of the defense's argument concerns the chain of command. They cite a service note from November 12, 2021, which allegedly removed Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Danwe from coordinating DGRE operations, transferring that authority to the agency’s Technical Adviser Number One. The defense argues that because there is no evidence this administrative measure was ever rescinded, Danwe lacked the authority to launch the operation that led to Zogo's abduction and death.

During recent hearings, Lieutenant-Colonel Danwe testified that he acted under instructions from his hierarchy to conduct surveillance, abduction, and torture. The defense maintains that the prosecution must establish a formal chain of command through evidence before attributing responsibility to Eko Eko, alleging that the operation against Zogo utilized unofficial channels that bypassed standard procedures.