Cameroon’s former defence minister caused a stir in court in the capital, Yaoundé, after arriving to face corruption charges with a glass of champagne in hand.
Edgar Alain Mebe Ngo’o was charged in 2019 with diverting public funds and corruption. He denied the charges and was being held at the Kondengui prison as the trial continued.
But at the Special Criminal Court last week, photos published by local outlet Actu Cameroun showed him looking clean shaven and well groomed in a double-breasted grey suit, while holding a full champagne flute in his left hand.
Another photo showed Mr Ngo’o consulting his lawyers in court with the glass empty.
The charges are related to awarding of military contracts, including one to a company linked to his wife between 2009 and 2015, Journal du Cameroun reports.
Mr Ngo’o was sacked from government while serving as transport minister in 2018, after being tipped as a successor to long-time President Paul Biya.
