The trial of Colonel Bitala Madjoulba, found dead in his office on May 4, 2020, continues in Togo. The fourth day of the hearing highlights General Abalo Kadangha, accused of obstructing the proper functioning of justice, complicity in assassination and complicity against the internal security of the State.
The hearing of General Abalo Kadangha, this October 26, 2023, was marked by his denials. Claiming that Colonel Madjoulba was like his son, he firmly denies any involvement in his assassination. Asked about sending the army service unit to the field despite the ongoing investigation by the gendarmerie, he maintained that he had given his agreement to the USM, a military unit responsible for internal investigations. According to him, their investigations would have made it possible to find the murder weapon, which turns out to be that of Colonel Bitala Madjoulba himself.
The prosecutor then raises the hypothesis of a parallel investigation intentionally orchestrated by the general to create a diversion and obstruct the work of the judicial police. Once again, the general vigorously denies these accusations.
The defense lawyers raise missing elements in the case, in particular the lack of expertise of the victim’s phones and the absence of prints on the weapon. They request a second opinion to clarify certain points.
The trial will continue the next day, October 27, with new hearings and possible twists and turns.
It is important to remember that Colonel Bitala Madjoulba was found dead in his office following the swearing in of the country’s president, Faure Gnassingbé, for a fourth term. The investigation into his death has raised many questions and piqued public interest.
By closely following the progress of this trial, we hope that the truth will emerge and that justice will be done for Colonel Bitala Madjoulba and his family. Let’s stay tuned for developments in this affair which is shaking Togo.