Gabon justice blocks release of opposition leader Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze

Actus.

The Gabonese judiciary has once again upheld the detention of Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, a prominent opposition figure, after the appeals court in Libreville rejected his procedural nullity request on Tuesday. His legal team continues to denounce what they describe as an arbitrary detention and an irregular judicial process.

Appeals court maintains detention following rejected nullity plea

Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, a key opponent of President Brice Oligui Nguema, has been held since April 16 in connection with an investigation into alleged embezzlement and fraud dating back to 2008. The appeals court’s decision on Tuesday to dismiss his defense team’s request for procedural nullity means he remains behind bars. His lawyers argue that the alleged offenses have long since passed the statute of limitations and lack a solid legal foundation.

Defense alleges violations of fair trial rights

In a formal statement, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze’s attorney, Me Arthur Vercken, condemned what he called “a serious violation” of Gabonese law and the principles of a fair trial. The Ensemble pour le Gabon party asserts that the opposition leader was arrested under “harsh conditions” and denied access to legal counsel during the initial hours of his police custody before being placed under judicial remand.

Presidency insists on judicial independence

Responding to inquiries about the case, President Brice Oligui Nguema emphasized the separation of powers in his remarks. “This is a private matter; I have no involvement,” he stated, defending the independence of Gabon’s judiciary. A former Prime Minister under Ali Bongo’s presidency, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze lost to Brice Oligui Nguema in the 2025 presidential election. His arrest followed repeated criticism of the government, particularly regarding the suspension of social media platforms and proposed changes to the nationality code.