Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze's lawyer challenges fraud and breach of trust charges, alleging "legal imagination" and "kidnapping
via Gabon Review2 min read
Me Sarah Ognyane, counsel for Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, has presented a version of events that contradicts the official narrative following his placement under a committal order. She refutes the criminal qualifications of fraud and breach of trust against the president of Ensemble pour le Gabon EPG. Speaking on EPG's Facebook page, Me Ognyane detailed the origin of the case, which dates back to 2008. During the organization of the Festival of Cultures, led by then Vice-Prime Minister Paul Mba Abessole, a committee chaired by Bilie-By-Nze found itself without public funding three days before launch. Ms. Baba Ramatou Amadou, a committee member, proposed that everyone contribute. Bilie-By-Nze contributed three million CFA francs, Ms. Ramatou five million, and others completed the nine million CFA francs pre-financing. Only Ms. Ramatou requested an acknowledgment of receipt, which the committee president provided. Me Ognyane also described the circumstances of Bilie-By-Nze's arrest, which he characterized as a "kidnapping." According to his account, a vehicle blocked his path, masked men seized his phones, and police identification only occurred afterward. Bilie-By-Nze reportedly reiterated this account to the investigating judge. Regarding the substance of the accusations, Me Ognyane systematically dismantled the prosecution's case. Citing articles 301 and 307 of the Penal Code, she argued that fraud requires fraudulent maneuvers, and breach of trust requires a transfer for dep
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