The Governor of the West Region, Awa Fonka Augustine, has ordered the administrative detention of the traditional chief of Baloum, His Majesty Charly Constant Noussi Pokam, and eight other suspects. The group is accused of involvement in the lynching and burning alive of two young men, Stève Achille Sidamo Diffo and Jean Bostel Kamta, on June 5, 2026. The victims were allegedly targeted after being accused of stealing roofing sheets. The suspects will be held at the Bafoussam central prison for an initial period of 15 days while the regional gendarmerie conducts its investigation. This specific form of "administrative custody" differs from judicial custody as it can be renewed indefinitely. Legal experts note that this measure is a powerful tool that can either protect suspects from mob violence or provide the judiciary more time to build a case. The decision has sparked discussions regarding the nature and duration of such administrative detentions in Cameroon.