A Yaoundé man is now behind bars after attempting to present what he claimed were official presidential decrees to the national broadcaster. The incident unfolded at the CRTV headquarters in the Nlongkak district on June 12, 2026, where Johann Adriel Sitchom Kuate arrived with documents he insisted were legitimate, including one purporting to appoint a vice president of the Republic by President Paul Biya.

Routine practice requires such decrees to be read on air for public awareness. However, staff at the broadcaster, sensing irregularities, immediately escalated the matter to senior state officials. Further verification, including checks from the president’s location in Geneva where Paul Biya has been since June 7, confirmed the documents were fraudulent—with the name on the decree matching that of the arrestee himself.

Authorities have since launched a formal investigation, culminating in charges of attempting to undermine state security. Johann Adriel Sitchom Kuate now faces legal proceedings under these serious allegations.

The question remains whether this was an isolated act of delusion or part of a more calculated scheme, with some observers labeling it a potential attempt at an institutional coup.