"Refund Is Not Enough": Bamenda Residents Demand Arrest Of Gendarmes In FCFA 200,000 Extortion Case

Bird Eye View Of Bamenda Captured From Up Station For Illustration 

By Raymond Dingana

The extortion of young people by some security officers in Bamenda continues to spark anger among residents. Many say young people who drive good cars or dress well are often stopped, their phones searched, and, in some cases, forced to pay large sums of money. Despite repeated complaints, many residents believe those responsible are rarely held accountable, thereby giving them room to continue the practice.

A fresh case has sparked public outrage after a university student allegedly paid FCFA 200,000 to gendarmes before regaining his freedom. The incident reportedly happened on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Apostolic Junction area in Bamenda. According to information gathered, the student was travelling in a taxi on his way to board a bus to Limbe when he was stopped by gendarmes.

Reports say he was accused of being a separatist fighter, taken out of the taxi, and detained. Sources say the officers seized his phone, preventing him from contacting anyone. He was reportedly released the following day, Saturday, July 25, after FCFA 200,000 was paid to secure his freedom.

The alleged extortion came to light when the student visited the Mezam Professional Taxi Drivers' Trade Union office at Mile 4 Nkwen to check whether the taxi driver had left his bag there.

After hearing his story, the union's president, Shey Rene, contacted Barrister Agbor Nkeng Etengeneng of the North West Regional Office of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CHRC), who immediately intervened.

Barrister Agbo reportedly went to the Mile 6 checkpoint, where he challenged the officers and insisted that the money be returned to the student. Despite what witnesses described as attempts to intimidate him, he maintained his position until the officers refunded the full amount.

According to sources, the money had already been shared among those involved before it was recovered and returned to the victim.

Residents Call for Arrests

Following the incident, many residents have called for the officers involved to be arrested and prosecuted, arguing that simply returning the money is not enough.

A University of Bamenda student, who asked to be identified only as Chuo, said such incidents have become common in Bamenda.

"These things keep happening because those responsible are not punished. Returning the money is good, but it is not enough. Those involved should face the law so that others will think twice before doing the same." 

Many residents believe that while the majority of uniformed officers carry out their duties professionally, the actions of a few continue to damage the image of the security forces.

They say identifying and punishing officers who abuse their authority is necessary to restore public confidence and protect the reputation of those who serve with integrity. Whether the authorities will listen to the people's call remains to be seen.