By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
A storm of public outrage has erupted in Buea in particular and Cameroon in general following the shocking revelation of military and police brutality in Bwitingi, Buea, after Tambe Tiku, South West Regional Head of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CHRC), exposed the ordeal of a civilian who was assaulted, tortured, and extorted upon, by security forces.
The incident, which occurred on the night of April 11, 2025, involved Nke Pascal, a local resident returning from watching a football match around Biaka. According to Tambe Tiku’s detailed account in a statement which he made to the public, Nke was intercepted near the Bwitingi police post by a combined group of police officers, gendarmes, and soldiers. Despite presenting his national ID, he was accused of being a separatist sympathiser due to a prior legal complaint he had lodged involving one of the officers.
The situation rapidly deteriorated as the security agents reportedly left their post and raided Pascal’s residence. They ransacked his home in the absence of his wife, who was away, but found no incriminating evidence. The officers then allegedly dragged him back to the police post, stripped him naked, and subjected him to brutal torture.
According to Tambe Tiku, the victim was coerced into withdrawing money from his bank account. Unable to complete the transaction due to a PIN error, Nke was forced to contact his friends, who sent FCFA 250,000. Combined with FCFA 150,000 already in his mobile wallet, the officers allegedly extorted a total of FCFA 400,000. In a final act of humiliation, the victim was forced to pay FCFA 4,000 for the taxi the officers had used during the operation. “He was treated in a degrading and dehumanising manner by people who are meant to protect him,” Tambe Tiku declared. “This kind of appalling behaviour can no longer be tolerated in our society.”
The CHRC, acting swiftly upon receiving the complaint on April 10, launched an internal investigation. Two police officers were identified and summoned to the commission’s office. During questioning, they confessed to their involvement in the abuse and returned the full amount extorted from Nke. “They wanted to return only the amounts they took individually, but I insisted they return the full amount or face legal action,” Tambe Tiku recounted. “Eventually, they raised the full FCFA 400,000 and handed it over to us.”
The CHRC is now preparing to file formal charges against all the officers involved. Tambe has stressed that returning stolen money is not a substitute for justice and he is determined to see the perpetrators prosecuted. The Commission is also pressing for the identification of the remaining gendarmes and military personnel involved, whom the implicated officers have so far shielded. “This is not the first time we have warned them, but it seems they believe they can buy their way out each time,” Tambe said. “This vicious cycle must end. Accountability is not optional, it’s the foundation of justice.”
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from the public and legal professionals alike, who see this as a pivotal moment in Cameroon’s struggle against security force impunity. Many have lauded Tambe Tiku and the CHRC for their resolute action in defending human rights and standing up to institutional abuse.
As legal proceedings are set to begin, this case could mark a significant precedent in Cameroon’s efforts to curb human rights violations by its own security forces, restoring hope in the fight for justice and the rule of law.