The restaurant owner Christelle Bikoe Nga, accused of contaminating okok with urine, has refuted the allegations, stating that the viral video was misinterpreted and taken out of context.
Speaking during her presentation by elements of the Central Police Station No. 4 in Yaoundé on February 18, Bikoe insisted that the act seen in the video was not intended for public consumption. “I understand the outrage this has caused, but the reality is different from what is being spread online,” she declared. Bikoe, alongside her alleged accomplice and partner, Nloga Boum Joseph, was swaggered before the press in Yaoundé’s Mvog-Ada neighbourhood. The police, led by Commissioner Mindjom Christine Irène, apprehended the duo after a thorough investigation into the scandal. According to Commissioner Mindjom, Bikoe was arrested on February 14, 2025, in a village in Mvengue Subdivision in the south of the country, where she had gone into hiding following the backlash.
During police questioning, Bikoe maintained that the act captured in the viral video was not connected to her business but was a personal matter involving her husband. “She told us she acted out of frustration due to financial difficulties in her home,” Commissioner Mindjom stated. Bikoe explained that her restaurant, which she opened in September last year, was not making enough profits to sustain her family. She claimed that her husband, who had been the main financial provider, withdrew his support, pushing her into extreme frustration. She further stated that the video was not meant to be shared publicly and that she never intended to harm anyone. Despite her defence, police investigations suggest otherwise.
Testimonies from residents and her landlord, Christian Chico, contradict her claims. “People in the neighbourhood confirmed they had consumed meals from her restaurant multiple times, and we found several bottles of urine at the premises,” the police commissioner disclosed. Eyewitnesses claim that Bikoe had been selling the traditional Okok meal to unsuspecting customers for months. Some former patrons expressed shock and anger, demanding legal action against her. “I have eaten at her restaurant many times. To think that I may have consumed contaminated food is disturbing,” said one resident who requested anonymity.
Authorities have classified the act as a severe public health threat, emphasizing its criminal nature. “This is beyond a health violation it is a deliberate attempt to endanger lives. If proven, it amounts to attempted poisoning,” Commissioner Mindjom warned. The police have reassured the public that they are committed to ensuring food safety and protecting consumers. “We encourage the public to report any suspicious activities in restaurants or food establishments. This case serves as a reminder that the authorities will act swiftly to prevent such incidents,” the commissioner added.
As investigations continue, the case has sparked widespread debate on food safety, trust in local eateries, and the power of social media in exposing or misinterpreting incidents. Some have called for stricter food inspection policies, while others question the role of social media in amplifying unverified information. Meanwhile, Bikoe and her partner remain in police custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. If found guilty, they could face severe penalties under Cameroonian law, including imprisonment and heavy fines.
