Legal scholar critiques Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze's arrest, citing procedural irregularities

Former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze jailed in 18-year-old fraud case

Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, former Prime Minister, was placed under a detention order on Thursday evening, April 16, 2026, and will spend the night in prison. He was taken into custody 48 hours after his arrest outside his home. Bilie-By-Nze is being prosecuted for alleged fraud and abuse of trust in a case involving 5 million CFA francs that dates back 18 years. He appeared before the investigating judge of the Libreville Court of First Instance and will be held at "Sans-Famille," the Libreville prison. His lawyers were not present for the first hour of his appearance, arriving an hour after proceedings began. The investigating magistrate opted for preventive incarceration rather than release under judicial supervision. The case's longevity is attributed to the plaintiff's verbal re-initiation of her claim about a year ago, which, if proven, would interrupt the statute of limitations. The 5 million CFA francs reportedly originated from contributions by activists of the National Rally of Lumberjacks RNB party, including the plaintiff, to fund operations when public treasury funds were delayed. Bilie-By-Nze, as the organizing committee president, allegedly reassured the plaintiff she would be reimbursed, a promise that was never honored. This incarceration follows Bilie-By-Nze's recent media appearances on international television, where he spoke about daily pressures and threats of imprisonment due to his critical stance against the regime. His associates view this old case as