Title: Nico Kabund, bodyguard of Cherubin Okende, appears in court: a complex case to elucidate
Introduction :
Nico Kabund, the bodyguard of the late MP Cherubin Okende, appeared in council chambers at Makala Prison. This is a first hearing which marks the start of a legal process aimed at clarifying the circumstances of the tragic death of Cherubin Okende. While the public prosecutor is requesting the extension of Nico Kabund’s detention, his lawyers, for their part, are pleading in favor of his provisional release.
The context of the case:
On August 3, 2023, Cherubin Okende, a respected MP, was found lifeless inside his vehicle, riddled with bullets. This discovery caused great consternation and opened an investigation to find those responsible for this crime. Nico Kabund, his bodyguard, was immediately taken into custody.
Hearing details:
During the hearing, the public prosecutor requested the extension of Nico Kabund’s detention, arguing that his escape was to be feared. However, Nico Kabund’s lawyers argued in favor of his provisional release, highlighting the fact that their client does not represent a flight risk and that his state of health had deteriorated following his previous detention.
The release of Cherubin Okende’s driver:
At the same time, Cherubin Okende’s driver, Papy Nkanga, was released on bail on October 3. The Gombe high court decided to subject him to judicial review. This release raises questions about the possible involvement of the driver in the case, although this remains to be confirmed.
The pending investigation:
Despite the passage of time since the tragedy, the results of the investigation into the death of Cherubin Okende remain pending. The autopsy, carried out in collaboration with international experts, made it possible to obtain elements, but there are still many gray areas to be clarified.
Conclusion :
The affair of the death of Cherubin Okende continues to fuel debates and questions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The appearance of Nico Kabund, his bodyguard, in court marks an important step in the search for the truth. While the public prosecutor is calling for an extension of his detention, Kabund’s lawyers are asking for his provisional release. The investigation continues, and we hope that justice will shed light on this complex matter.