Two men, Mbibong Guy Blaise, alias Coboko, 22, and Tegah Sylvain Noel, alias Lamante, 30, have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of Innocent Abegbeni, a mobile money agent in Tiko, South West Cameroon.
Security forces say the suspects were apprehended after an intense investigation.
They were presented to the public during a reconstitution event where they recounted the events leading to the murder, offering chilling insights into the crime that shook the community.
A Carefully Orchestrated Plot
The two suspects described the murder, which occurred on the night of September 24, 2024, as a premeditated plan.
According to the police, the victim was lured to his death with a fabricated story.
One of the suspects, Mbibong Guy Blaise, called Innocent, informing him that a woman wanted to see him at their house in New Layout, Tiko.
“Innocent trusted them because they were friends, and he had even lived with them before,” a police officer close to the investigation explained.
“He went to their house without suspecting anything, thinking he was going to meet the woman they mentioned.”
Upon arrival, Innocent inquired about the woman, but was told she was still on her way.
When he decided to leave, the suspects locked the door and attacked him. After a struggle, they fatally stabbed him twice.
His body was later wrapped in a bedsheet, and under the cover of rain and darkness, the suspects transported his corpse to a stream near a bridge, dumping it in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Theft of FCFA 5.4 Million
Following the murder, the two suspects returned to Innocent’s house at Street 7, where they found and stole FCFA 5.4 million, which they shared equally.
“We shared the money – 2.7 million each – and then went our separate ways,” Mbibong Guy Blaise admitted during the reconstitution.
Mbibong was caught by the police in Mutengene shortly after the crime, leading to the eventual arrest of Tegah Sylvain Noel, who had fled to Bafoussam in the West Region.
Both men were brought back to Tiko, where they now await trial.
A Caution from Authorities
At the public presentation of the suspects, Mvo Armstrong, the Divisional officer of Tiko, issued a stern warning to individuals involved in criminal activities, emphasizing that the law would catch up with them.
“Criminals should know that there is no escape. Sooner or later, they will face the full force of the law,” he said.
The murder of Innocent Abegbeni has left the Tiko community in shock, particularly as the crime was perpetrated by individuals known to the victim.
Residents have expressed deep concern over rising cases of violent crimes, especially targeting mobile money agents who often carry large sums of cash.
One neighbour, who witnessed the suspects’ public presentation, expressed disbelief.
“I still can’t believe they did this to Innocent. He trusted them. It’s terrifying to think someone you know can do something so horrible,” she said.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for justice for Innocent and his grieving family.
Meanwhile, the suspects face a grim future as they await the legal consequences of their actions.
Report Claude Kengfack
Mary Ndinge Lyonga is a marketing assistant at Eagle Wings and Spice Located at Mutengene, Tiko Road.
She was once a Volunteer at the Tiko Council Community Radio for a period of 3 months under the Leadership of Mme Sarah Nkongho as the Station Manager. She is a graduate from the department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Faculty of Social and Management Science, University of Buea.