By Noela EBOB BISONG
The former General Manager GM of the National Petroleum Depot SCDP, Dr Jean Baptiste Nguini Effa, has regained freedom after spending a 15-year jail term on charges of embezzlement of public funds. The CPDM big gun was slammed a 30-year jail term by the Wouri Court of First Instance in 2012.
He was released from the Yaounde Central Prison aka Kondengui Prison on Thursday, August 29, 2024
Shortly after his release, a video message went viral in which the former GM was seen thanking President Biya apparently from his residence, holding that Biya constantly ensures that there is equitable justice. Reports say a mass was equally held at his residence Thursday evening, wherein the former SCDP boss thanked God for keeping him in good health within the 15 years he spent behind bars. During the Mass, Nguini Effa reportedly offered prayers for those still in the Central Prison, observing that anybody could go to jail. The SUN gathered that Nguini Effa affirmed that as long as he is alive, he will remain useful to his family and the nation and is optimistic to bounce back to the service of the nation.
Born on May 15, 1955, Nguini Effa obtained a scholarship to France for further studies upon completion of High School. After 10 years, he returned to Cameroon as a Petrochemical engineer, with a doctorate degree in Chemistry. He was appointed GM of SCDP in 1994 through a Presidential Decree, to replace deceased Nguea Lottin. After spearheading affairs at the Depot for 15 years, he fell into the dragnets of the state on faults of embezzlement of state funds to the tune of FCFA 2.2 billion in 2009, alongside some of his collaborators. The investigation on the embezzlement charges covered the period between 2005 to 2009.
History marks Nguini Effa to be among the select few top brass citizens who have made it to Kondengui and back, with others still there and almost forgotten, while some died before the end of their jail term. However, it is not clear whether financial commitments were made to clear the embezzlement charges alongside the 15-year jail term.