On July 15, 2026, as Cameroonian media outlets reported accusations of illegal gold mining, Steven Nbienou Kouadjo, president of the NBIKO group, issued an official statement on his Meta page, firmly denying the allegations and emphasizing the importance of verified information.
In the statement, Mr. Kouadjo categorically denied any involvement in gold-related activities, either in Cameroon or abroad, stating that NBIKO has never engaged in the gold trade and that the mining sector is not part of its business scope.
To support his denial, the businessman stated that NBIKO's financial and administrative records are available for inspection and prove the absence of any gold transactions, inviting authorities and journalists to examine these documents as a guarantee of transparency.
Steven Kouadjo acknowledged having friendships with individuals mentioned in the investigation but emphasized the distinction between personal relationships and professional conduct, noting that friendships should not be confused with professional responsibilities.
The leader reaffirmed his trust in Cameroon's judicial institutions, stating that the justice system will shed light on the facts and that each individual is responsible for their own actions, with the law applying impartially.
Finally, Mr. Kouadjo reminded that his companies operate in strict compliance with the laws of the countries where they are established, without resorting to any influence related to official functions, and that NBIKO's development is based on legal and ethical practices, free from corruption or favoritism.
