Photo by James Oatway/REX Shutterstock (4681851e)
On July 24, 2023, Lionel M, 28 years old, allegedly passed away after a fight with his cousin over a 200F debt. After being alerted by Lionel’s family and colleagues about his absence for a few days, law enforcement decides to go to his home and force the door open. A nauseating smell emanates from the main door of Lionel M’s residence, where he lived at the age of 28.
A horrifying scene unfolds: Lionel is lying on the floor, dead. His body is in a state of decomposition. According to a neighbor of the deceased, his cousin Libam, 35 years old, is believed to be responsible for his death. The reason being a 200F debt.
The incident occurred three days earlier. After finishing his shift, Lionel calls his cousin Libam and suggests having a beer at a nearby bar. After consuming alcohol, the two brothers take a motorcycle for the ride back home. Upon arrival, Lionel hands 1000F to the Bend Skinner (motorcycle taxi driver). The driver explains that he doesn’t have change to give back to Lionel.
Seeing that it was only 200F, Lionel disregards the amount and tells the driver to keep the change. Immediately, a violent dispute erupts between the two brothers. Libam accuses his brother of letting the motorcycle driver get away with money that could have been useful to him. Voices rise, and the argument turns into a fight. Libam beats his brother mercilessly. Lionel’s cries alert the neighbors, who intervene and separate them. Lionel gets up with chest pains and is escorted to his door by a neighbor.
The neighbor advises him to file a complaint against his brother. Lionel follows the advice and goes to the police station in Eséka. Upon arrival, the police ask him to obtain a medical certificate to accompany his complaint. This is done accordingly. Libam is arrested, and Lionel returns home, never to leave again.
After days of absence, one of Lionel’s brothers is informed and decides to go to their uncle’s house where Lionel lives alone. It is at this moment that he discovers the irreparable. Lionel has been dead for three days. An investigation has been opened at the Eséka police station to determine the true circumstances of Lionel’s death. Libam, on the other hand, remains in custody and under investigation.c