YAOUNDE—Security has tightened at the central hospital after the former finance and economy minister was rushed there following a violent fall in jail, Friday.

Abah Abah, 56, is being tried for alleged theft of public funds to the tune of about CFA6.2 billion while he worked as director of taxes.

He collapsed Friday at the Yaounde central prison dangerously hurting his neck, according to prison and hospital sources.

He had been sick for several days, said a prison guard, and had a tendency of losing his balance each time he stood up.

His condition had become stable Monday but hospital sources said several medical investigations were being undertaken to diagnose what was wrong with the former minister.

Eyewitnesses said he was brought to the hospital under tight security by an escort of gendarmes, policeman and prison guards.

Monday, armed security forces stood guard outside his room at the hospitals haute standing ward reserved for VIP patients.

The case against the former minister went on trial earlier this year and his expected to drag for several months before any verdict is passed.

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