Claim: Eric Tataw is under detention and will not get bail because of his violent nature and his involvement in the Ambazonia National Army (ANA).
Verdict: Misleading
A Facebook page, A Better Cameroon, claimed in a post on 5 September 2023 that Eric Tataw was arrested on 31 August 2023 and that his bail hearing would be on 8 September 2023. The post, which had 55 reactions, 21 comments and 27 shares at the time of this fact checking, also said that Tataw would face more charges and that he would not get bail because of his threats against witnesses and his role in the ANA, (a separatist group allegedly sponsoring terrorism in Cameroon). The post cited Barrister Nsahlai as the source of the information.
The Cause of His Detention
Immediately after his detention media outlets reported that the US-based separatist leader was detained due to his connection to the armed conflict in Cameroon. However, the Court Document below shows that the authorities arrested Eric Tataw for Fraud and attempted to influence a witness to lie.
Contrary to the information provided by the US-based lawyer, Barrister Nsahlai, and his associates who started the narrative of Tataw’s detention many now believe it was to extort the government of Cameroon. The lawyer and co claimed that they filed a lawsuit against Eric Tataw, also known as Garri Man, for his violent role in the Anglophone Crisis.
Facts About The Story
The affidavit does not mention anything linked to being in connection with the Anglophone crisis. He is accused of misusing a loan from the US fund for COVID-19 relief. He got the money and tried to cheat the US Government. When the law enforcement apprehended him, he tried to make his witnesses or those he claimed to pay salaries with the money lie in court.
Background of Eric Tataw
Eric Tataw is a US journalist and separatist for Ambazonia, a breakaway state in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions. He has an online platform, National Telegraph, where he covers the conflict and asks for international help. He is famous for inciting violence against civilians and plantation workers who oppose the separatist cause.
On 31 August 2023, Tataw was arrested by the US Federal Marshals and detained in a Federal detention centre. He faces charges of fraud and attempting to influence a witness to lie. Tataw got a $1.2 million loan from the US SBA by lying about his business, National Telegraph LLC. He said it had 500 workers and was hit by COVID-19. But he had no such business and spent the money on himself. He also told a witness, his ex-employee, to lie for him about his crimes in Cameroon. The court documents shared above showed this.
Tataw’s arrest has sparked mixed reactions among his followers and critics. Some have expressed support and solidarity with him, while others have condemned his actions and called for justice. His bail hearing was scheduled for 8 September 2023.
Details of his Bail Hearing
According The Guardian Post report the US District Court for the Central District of California granted Eric Tataw bail on 8 September 2023 after his hearing. He posted a $100,000 bond and surrendered his passport and travel documents. Also, he wore an electronic monitor and stayed at home except for court appearances, medical appointments, and religious services. He will appear in court again on 22 September 2023 for a preliminary hearing.
Other Fact Checks
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The Role of Clickbait and Sensationalism in Creating Disinformation and its Impact on Society
The Article “Welcome to Yaounde” by TGP Newspaper is Misleading
