Prince Epenge’s lawyer detained and released in Kinshasa
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Le Potentiel
Congolese lawyer Nico Mayengele was allegedly detained on 31 October after filming his client Prince Epenge’s arrival at Makala prison in Kinshasa, then released after his telephones were confiscated. Le Potentiel reports that the case has revived concerns about the legal profession and access to judicial information.
The lawyer for Congolese opposition figure Prince Epenge, Me Nico Mayengele, was detained on Saturday 31 October 2026 in Kinshasa as his client’s convoy arrived at Makala central prison. He was allegedly accused of filming the convoy’s arrival and sending the footage to journalists, according to Le Potentiel. Taken to the public prosecutor’s office, the lawyer allegedly had his telephones confiscated before being released and returning home following pressure, according to the same media outlet.
The alleged detention came as Prince Epenge Wemakoko, president of the ADD Congo party and spokesperson for the LAMUKA coalition, had just been transferred to Makala after his application for provisional release was rejected. His lawyer Clément Muza said the defence had not been informed of the decision, according to Le Potentiel. ECIDé secretary-general Devos Kitoko also criticised the transfer.
The detention of Me Nico Mayengele raises questions about the exercise of the defence and the transmission of images from judicial proceedings to the press. It follows the transfer of Prince Epenge to Makala, announced on 31 October, after the C64 coalition called for the opposition figure’s release on 26 October.
