Nkemanyang Versus Ndi $ Bayen case:

Nkemanyang ups civil claim to FCFA 30 million

News courtesy The Standard Tribune

Ndi and SoneBayen appeared in court in white gowns

Paul Nkemanyang has asked for 30 million francs in damages, as civil claim in the libel case involving fellow journalists Franklin SoneBayen and Eugene Ndi at the Limbe Magistrates’ Court.

                The Star publisher upped his claim, which started at CFA5 million in 2014 and climbed to CFA10 million in 2015, on Wednesday during the 33rd hearing on a matter that has dragged since July 2014.

                Nkemanyang, who is also president of the Commonwealth Journalists Association, is building his case on alleged injury to his reputation as a result of reports claiming he misappropriated funds raised to mark World Press Freedom day in Buea in 2014. He has denied the accusations.

                The court adjourned the hearing until 27 April to allow the defendants prepare their arguments, after prosecutors and the claimant came to court with new criminal charge and civil complaints respectively.

                A judge had rejected both last month for lack of clarity. The case moved into open court after another judge discontinued in chamber hearings that lasted more than one-and-half years.

                Bayen and Ndi appeared in court in long white Iranian gowns and black hats, and spent time together strolling on the city beach. Ndi said the attire was a coincidence. Both have also denied wrongdoing.

                Ndi is the first accused. In 2015, Mediapeople, which is published and edited by Bayen was introduced as a third party. That was when Nkemanyang raised his claim to 10 million francs.